EU: Uzbekistan can become economic leader of Central Asia
Trend:
Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Sukhrob Kholmuradov has met with a delegation led by EU Special Representative for Central Asia Peter Burian.
At the meeting, Burian stated that Uzbekistan could become an economic leader of Central Asia, Trend reports via Sputnik Uzbekistan, which cited the State Investment Committee.
Burian stated that the EU welcomes the regional policy of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and is ready to support the country’s initiatives, with grants as well.
Also, Philippe van Amersfoort, Deputy Head of the Central Asia Division at the European External Relations Service, said the EU is completing the development of a new cooperation strategy with Central Asia, which is planned to be adopted before the end of the first half of 2019.
The document will reflect measures to support the changes in Uzbekistan.
The meeting participants also discussed expanding access to the EU markets for Uzbek goods by granting the country the GSP+ status. It provides for the duty-free exports to the EU markets of more than 6,000 commodity items.
Moreover, the EU supports the plan of Uzbekistan to join the World Trade Organization.