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What GSP+ beneficiary status means for Uzbekistan

One of the main goals of the reforms under implementation in Uzbekistan is to transform the country into one of the economically developed states in the world. The main factor in this process is the production and export of high-quality and competitive products to leading world markets. To increase export volumes, the use of various trading systems is of great importance, one of which is the Generalized System of Preferences Plus GSP+.

As a beneficiary of GSP+, Uzbekistan receives additional economic benefits compared to standard GSP through the complete elimination of tariffs on two-thirds of the product lines covered by GSP, which in turn promotes export growth and attracts additional investment into the country. Commitments GSP+ to sustainable development further strengthens Uzbekistan's position as a reliable economic partner.

With a population of over 500 million people, the European Union is one of the largest markets in the world. For example, the market volume of the European textile industry is $98 billion, the leather and footwear industry is $24 billion, and the agricultural industry is $24 billion.

The level of use of preferences under GSP+ is currently high in Uzbekistan. The product segments that benefit most from reduced benefits are textiles and clothing, plastic products, and fruits, nuts and vegetables. And this, in turn, indicates that the structure of Uzbekistan’s exports is already more diverse compared to other countries in the region.

As a result, there has been a significant increase in trade: if in 2016 the volume of trade with the EU was about $1.98 billion, then in 2022 this figure more than doubled to $4.5 billion and continues to grow.

It is worth noting that the acceptance of Uzbekistan as a beneficiary of GSP+ reflects the effectiveness of the ongoing large-scale reforms in all spheres of the state, including improvement of the business environment, the judicial system, working conditions, and management efficiency.

The status of a GSP+ beneficiary creates the opportunity to expand mutually beneficial trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and representatives of European business. Another plus is the positive impact on the well-being of the population, since deepening trade ties serves to expand business activity in our country and create new jobs.