Russia and Uzbekistan have eliminated major trade barriers between the two countries, simplifying the work of business, Russian minister of economic development Maxim Reshetnikov said following a working visit to Tashkent.
"Implementation of the instructions of the 21st meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation: 17 resolved, 2 more in progress. Removed trade barriers between our countries to make it easier for business," Reshetnikov wrote on his Instagram page.
The minister added that the parties agreed on the dates for launching the "Agroexpress" project for accelerated delivery of agricultural products from Moscow to Tashkent and back in a refrigerated rail train.
"We expect that the first pilot delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables from Uzbekistan will take place in November this year, and on a permanent basis "Agroexpress" will start to run in December. In the future, it will help provide our domestic market with high-quality products, especially in the off-season and contribute to food security and stabilization of prices," the press service of the Ministry of economic development quotes Reshetnikov.
During his visit, the minister also discussed with his Uzbek colleagues the development of cooperation between the Russian state corporation VEB.RF and the National bank of Uzbekistan for foreign economic affairs on the financing of joint projects, noting the need to strengthen cooperation to support mutual investment. In addition, preparations for Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO were discussed. The head of the MED expressed the readiness of the ministry to provide "all-round expert support to Uzbekistan's partners". They also agreed on holding a meeting of a working group on the accession of the republic to the WTO in December this year, the MED said in a press release.
Reshetnikov also asked the Uzbek partners to support the candidacy of Moscow to host the world exhibition "Expo 2030". "Today Moscow is one of the advanced megalopolises with the developed infrastructure, modern transport and surpasses many world capitals on level of digitalization of services and integration into the international tourist and cultural agenda", the press service of Ministry of economic development quotes the minister.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS