TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 9. A new model for developing economic partnerships among Central Asian countries is essential, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the 6th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State in Astana, TurkicWorld reports.
"To achieve long-term growth, we need new drivers and a new type of economic partnership. Our nations' complementary economies make us ideal trading partners. But as it stands, intraregional commerce accounts for a rather modest portion of our overall trade volume. There are still a lot of obstacles in the way of Central Asia having a fully operational free trade zone. We have determined the most important steps to take in order to maybe increase mutual commerce over the next five years, with the assistance of foreign specialists," he said.
Mirziyoyev pointed out that this encompasses a whole nine yards of over 500 commodity items.
"Key measures include removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, mutual recognition of conformity certificates, harmonizing regulations, digitalizing customs and phytosanitary processes, and enhancing mutual access to public procurement. Our strategic goal should be to establish a Single Regional Market in the long term," he added.
To tackle these issues, Mirziyoyev suggested the establishment of an Economic Council, with frequent powwows at the deputy prime ministers' level.
"We are prepared to host the inaugural meeting in Tashkent next year, which will include a Week of Business Partnership of Central Asia featuring a Forum of Regions, industry conferences, an exhibition of industrial potential, and presentations of export opportunities," he said.
