The European Union (EU) has extended the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) for Uzbekistan until December 31, 2027, as announced at a press conference on November 23, 2023. The conference was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade and the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, with the theme “Expanding Capabilities of the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) of the European Union for Uzbekistan.”
Charlotte Adriaen, the Ambassador of the European Union in Uzbekistan, expressed her satisfaction with the success of GSP+ in fostering a closer partnership between the EU and Uzbekistan. She highlighted the benefits of GSP+ for the private sector in Uzbekistan, including easier access to the 448 mn European consumer base, incentives for stronger cooperation between European and Uzbek companies, and significant savings at the borders.
She also noted that GSP+ supports Uzbekistan’s strategy to adhere to international standards in human and labour rights, good governance, and the environment by implementing 27 international conventions.
Badriddin Abidov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, acknowledged the international recognition of the comprehensive reforms being carried out in the country under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He expressed readiness to cooperate with the European Union in monitoring the GSP+ mechanism and working together to meet the requirements of relevant international conventions.
Shahzoda Kuchkarova and Bektemir Murodov, advisors of the Chairman of the Uzeltehprom Association, emphasized the importance of GSP+ benefits for the textile and electrical industries of the country. Shahzoda Kuchkarova stated,
Throughout the GSP+ scheme, 450 textile companies were launched, but before, the number of such kinds of companies was not more than 70. Unfortunately, not even all the countries of the EU have known about the GSP+ scheme. Therefore, we need to raise awareness to get the interest towards our country and improve the investment climate.
The European Union expanded the geography of Uzbekistan’s exports, 628 enterpries exported local products to European markets in the amount of $647 mn equivalent by the end of 2022. This is twice as much compared to 2020 ($292 mn). Within the framework of the GSP+ benefits, textile industry products worth $177.4 mn were exported to the EU markets (an increase of 126.4% compared to 2021), chemical industry – $138.3 mn (4.7 times growth), agriculture and food industry – $19.7 mn (103% rise), the electrical industry – $9 mn (117% increase).
Journalist - Sabina Aliyeva
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