On November 8 this year, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan S.Umurzakov met with Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria M. Linhart in Tashkent.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on key issues of Uzbek-Austrian relations, including the current state and prospects for expanding cooperation in political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian areas.

The issues of expanding investment cooperation were discussed. The parties agreed to cooperate closely on creation of the most favorable conditions for establishing partnership between Uzbek and Austrian entrepreneurs and increasing the number of joint investment projects.

The opportunities for increasing the volume of mutual trade were considered. It was noted that by the end of 2020, the growth of Uzbek-Austrian trade turnover amounted to 53.6% compared to the previous year. Mutual interest was expressed to intensify work in this direction.

In this context, the Uzbek side expressed gratitude to the Austrian side for support extended in granting the beneficiary status of Generalised System of Preferences "GSP+" by the EU. The format of further cooperation on the rapprochement of the business circles of the two countries to establish new partnership ties in the light of opportunities for trade cooperation was outlined.

Additionally, issues of preparation for the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Austria were discussed. Further joint actions were identified to fill the agenda of the event with practical content - firm agreements on the implementation of joint projects and trade agreements.

Following the meeting, agreements were reached on further cooperation within the framework of the cooperation areas considered.