Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has increased by 80% over the past four years, reaching $18bn by the end of 2024. This surge, driven largely by the supply of industrial products, reflects the country’s growing economic engagement with the region and was one of the themes of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting in Minsk.

In his speech, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that expanding mutually beneficial ties with EAEU member countries remains a top priority for Uzbekistan’s foreign economic policy. He highlighted the sharp growth in trade and a threefold rise in joint ventures and industrial projects as signs of successful cooperation since Uzbekistan became an observer state in the union in 2020.

Addressing Global Challenges and Strengthening Regional Ties

The president noted that this progress is taking place amid global economic uncertainty, marked by rising protectionism, sanctions, supply chain disruptions, and reduced investment activity. 

“We in Uzbekistan are fully feeling the negative impact of the increasing protectionism and sanctions policies,” he said. “These challenges only strengthen our resolve to deepen cooperation with our natural and traditional partners.”

Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to EAEU countries for their active participation in major economic events hosted in Uzbekistan earlier this year, including the Innoprom. Central Asia industrial exhibition and the Fourth Tashkent Investment Forum. These platforms, he said, resulted in key agreements and opened new avenues for cooperation with leading companies and financial institutions.

Strategic Roadmap and Participation in Union Projects

Head of the state also reported that in March, the fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group between Uzbekistan and the EAEU was successfully held. 

The meeting resulted in a new three-year plan comprising 40 specific measures aimed at removing technical barriers, deepening industrial cooperation, and encouraging business activity.

Uzbekistan is actively involved in major EAEU initiatives such as the Eurasian Agro Express, e-commerce development, digital cargo tracking systems, and climate-related programs. 

In April 2025, the country completed formal accession to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and is now working closely with the bank to develop a portfolio of promising projects in infrastructure, metallurgy, textiles, and chemicals.

Proposals for Trade, Digitalization, and SME Support

Looking ahead, President Mirziyoyev outlined a series of proposals aimed at further strengthening economic integration. He called for the simplification of trade transaction procedures, harmonization of technical regulations, and Uzbekistan’s inclusion in digital systems that support regulatory alignment and streamlined transport logistics. He also expressed interest in joining the Eurasian Reinsurance Company to ease business access to regional markets.

Digitalization featured prominently in his address. Mirziyoyev proposed the adoption of a new multilateral program focused on e-commerce, digital labeling of goods, next-generation logistics platforms, and the application of artificial intelligence technologies across industries. He also noted Uzbekistan’s technical readiness to join the integrated information system for border crossings, which would speed up procedures and increase transparency.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He urged broader practical cooperation with the EAEU Business Council and proposed utilizing existing financial support tools and the Eurasian Network platform for industrial cooperation and technology transfer.

Focus on Agriculture and Labor Mobility

In the agricultural sector, the president reiterated Uzbekistan’s proposal to adopt a joint cooperation program focused on food security. This would include the introduction of advanced farming technologies, simplified cross-border movement of agricultural products, and the expansion of “green” corridors for faster and more efficient trade.

Addressing the issue of labor mobility, Mirziyoyev proposed consultations to align professional standards and qualifications in high-demand sectors. He also expressed interest in joining the EAEU’s “Working Without Borders” platform to enhance labor resource mobilization across the region.

In closing, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding its role in EAEU initiatives. 

“I am confident that Uzbekistan's participation in the above-mentioned multilateral programs and projects will serve to strengthen economic partnership and enable the sustainable development of our countries in today's conditions,” he stated.

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