Belarus and Uzbekistan are set to embark on journey of collaboration, with projects worth over $1 bn slated for implementation between 2024 and 2025. The announcement came during the II Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan in Tashkent, where Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Leonid Zayats unveiled the plans, Belta reported on February 7.
Zayats, in discussions with his Uzbek counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev emphasized the breadth of cooperation between the two nations.
These documents encompass both export contracts and investment projects, aiming to bolster bilateral ties over the next two years. Zayats underscored the commitment to ensuring the comprehensive implementation of these projects, asserting,
"We will take these issues under control so that not a single point, not a single position is left behind."
The trajectory of bilateral trade has been on a notable upward trajectory in recent years. Between 2018 and 2022, trade turnover between Belarus and Uzbekistan surged by 3.2 times. In 2023 alone, mutual trade volume soared by an additional 12%, surpassing $565 mn.
Zayats expressed confidence in the potential for further growth, stating,
"There are opportunities to rise much higher."
He emphasized the mutual interests of both countries, indicating that Belarus sees potential in various sectors within Uzbekistan, while Uzbekistan also holds significant interest in Belarus.
Among the specific projects outlined, Belarus is keen on establishing joint ventures for the production of children's food products and assembling passenger transport vehicles at the Minsk Automobile Plant. Additionally, ventures in the textile industry and the creation of cotton-growing tractors are also on the agenda for collaborative efforts between the two nations.
Earlier Daryo reported that the delegation of Belarus aimed to hold discussions with Uzbekistan's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Kungirotboy Sharipov, with the objective of exploring potential collaborations in the education sector. During the meeting, the main focus was on improving the quality of higher education and adapting personnel training to meet the changing needs of the modern labor market, particularly in high-tech industries.
Minister Sharipov emphasized Uzbekistan's recent comprehensive reforms, which have led to the establishment of 100 new higher education institutions. He also stressed the significance of foreign universities operating within Uzbekistan and highlighted collaborative efforts with Belarus, particularly in prioritizing activities at the Joint Tapmogapapo Institute of Practical Technical Qualifications in Tashkent.
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