President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Astana on May 29, taking part as the head of an observer state, according to the presidential press service.
The meeting was chaired by Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and attended by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. Cuban Vice President Salvador Mesa and Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak participated as observers. Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev and CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev also attended the summit.
The agenda focused on expanding multilateral trade and economic cooperation, supporting industrial cooperation projects, and implementing joint programs in priority sectors.
During his address, Mirziyoyev stated that expanding cooperation with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states remains one of Uzbekistan’s key foreign economic policy priorities. He noted continued growth in mutual trade, expansion of industrial cooperation, strengthening of logistics links, and the development of cooperation in sectors including digital economy, energy, and services.
The Uzbek president also stated that implementation of the current three-year Action Plan developed jointly with the Eurasian Economic Commission is scheduled to conclude this year. In this context, he proposed adopting a new cooperation plan during the next meeting of the Joint Working Group with the Eurasian Economic Commission, which is expected to take place in Tashkent later this year.
Uzbekistan recently approved a roadmap aimed at aligning the country’s technical regulation systems with those of the EAEU. Uzbek officials also stated that the country is actively participating in initiatives related to e-commerce development, cargo transportation digitalization, and climate-related programs.
Mirziyoyev noted that a representative office of the Eurasian Development Bank has been established in Tashkent and that Uzbekistan and the bank have jointly developed a portfolio of industrial cooperation projects.
A significant portion of the speech focused on the creation of a unified digital space designed to facilitate trade between Uzbekistan and EAEU member states. The president proposed harmonizing approaches to e-commerce regulation, customs data exchange, phytosanitary and veterinary controls, certification of origin, and the phased mutual recognition of electronic documents.
He also proposed developing “smart” transport and customs corridors through digital transit systems, integration with cargo traceability platforms, and modernization of border checkpoints.
Referring to the INNOPROM. Central Asia exhibition held in Tashkent in April, Mirziyoyev stated that the event demonstrated increasing business interest in production localization, technological cooperation, and manufacturing partnerships.
The president proposed using the exhibition platform to develop a broader cooperation program between Uzbekistan and EAEU countries. Priority sectors identified in the proposal included industrial automation, robotics, energy-sector components, water-saving technologies, and modern construction materials.
Mirziyoyev also stated that Uzbekistan is prepared to establish a Joint Cooperation Project Office operating under a one-stop-shop model in partnership with the Eurasian Economic Commission. According to the proposal, the office would assist in identifying partners, supporting projects in free industrial zones, and facilitating investment and financing.
“We stand ready to develop additional incentives for high-tech residents from EAEU member states,” President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.
The Uzbek president additionally proposed the adoption of a joint Green Industry Transformation Program focused on improving energy efficiency, introducing clean technologies, and reducing carbon intensity in industrial production.
According to the proposal, the program could include the creation of joint green projects, new financing mechanisms, and modernization of industrial sectors through artificial intelligence technologies.
“For our countries, this is no longer solely a matter of environmental policy, but also a key factor in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of industry,” President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.
Labor migration cooperation was also discussed during the summit. Mirziyoyev proposed integrating national electronic employment systems to create a unified digital environment providing citizens with access to verified job vacancies, employment conditions, and migration regulations.
“This will enable us to address the needs of our countries’ labor markets, enhance workforce skills, strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights, and reduce the risks of illegal employment,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.
In the tourism sector, the Uzbek president referred to Uzbekistan’s “Tourism Ring of Central Asia” initiative and invited EAEU member states to participate in jointly promoting the regional tourism route on digital platforms.
Concluding his remarks, Mirziyoyev stated that Uzbekistan’s participation in EAEU programs and projects would contribute to strengthening economic cooperation and supporting sustainable development across participating countries.