On July 5 this year, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov received Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Khusrav Noziri, who visited our country as part of participation in the seventh meeting of Ministers of Agriculture of ECO member countries in Tashkent.

During the conversation, Khusrav Noziri stressed that Uzbekistan's chairmanship in the ECO contributes to the further expansion and strengthening of partnership within the Organization. Work continues systematically on the timely execution of the adopted "Roadmap" within the framework of the implementation of the Concept of the Presidency of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the ECO.

The issues of holding joint events within the framework of the Organization included in the ECO calendar for 2022, including the 26th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in November 2022 in Tashkent, were considered.

During the meeting, issues of overcoming challenges related to the disruption of supply chains and the ongoing global pandemic were also discussed. Prospects for the adoption of joint coordinated measures for the systematic restoration of transport communications and trade in the region were considered, which is particularly relevant in the light of the fact that the ECO countries are the largest trading partners of Uzbekistan. By the end of 2021, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the ECO countries amounted to $11.1 billion, which is 1.8 times higher than in 2017. More than 5,300 joint and foreign enterprises were established in Uzbekistan with the participation of investors from ECO countries.

In a constructive manner, the parties discussed issues of strengthening cooperation on the development of the transit potential of the ECO region. To this end, it is planned to intensify the implementation of transport and communication projects that will facilitate the free movement of goods and services, as well as improve the conditions and quality of life of the population.

Following the meeting, a mutual commitment was expressed to further joint actions to turn all the discussed initiatives and agreements into practical implementation.