On April 18 this year, Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, participated in the 1st Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities "Central Asia - China" via videoconferencing.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on the current state of and the prospects for further development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China, including liberalization and simplification of trade procedures, attracting investments, expanding the multilateral trading system, increasing the volume of mutual supply of goods, introduction of digital economy, development of transport infrastructure, and strengthening regional cooperation.

In his speech, Laziz Kudratov noted the importance of effective use of the huge transit potential of the Central Asia-China region, as well as the need to develop system solutions to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and development of cross-border logistics networks.

The importance of continuing work on deepening interregional development was emphasized. In this context, it was proposed to hold the Forum of Heads of Regions of Central Asia and China in Uzbekistan in the second half of this year to strengthen partnership between business circles and identify new growth points.

Prospects for enhancing interaction as part of expanding digital trade were discussed. The initiative to develop a "Program for Economic and Trade Development in the Era of Digitalization", which will include the creation of a joint platform "Intellectual Silk Road" on the basis of IT-parks of the region's countries, was proposed.

The meeting participants noted with satisfaction the successful coordination of the memoranda planned for conclusion on strengthening trade and economic cooperation as well as on "China-Central Asia" format partnership in the sphere of digital trade.

As a result of the meeting, the parties unanimously confirmed mutual intention to continue cooperation aimed at creating a favorable environment for participants in economic activities of Central Asia and China and at further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the Central Asian states and China in such areas as industry, investment, economy and trade.