On April 14 this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, S. Umurzakov, held a video conference with Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, A. Ibrokhim.

The dialogue considered measures taken by the governments of both countries to counteract the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, ensure security of citizens of both countries and mitigate economic results of global crisis associated with the epidemic, as well as prospects for bilateral cooperation.

The parties considered pressing concerns on development of mutually beneficial investment, trade, economic, transport and logistics cooperation, implementation of joint industrial cooperation projects, as well as specific mutual measures, which will expand the range and increase the volume of trade, primarily due to supplies of competitive Uzbek and Tajik products under current conditions.

The parties agreed that accelerated progress in these areas requires regular expert consultations via video conferencing, which will elaborate mutual agreements reached during the 6th meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The parties separately touched upon measures to strengthen cooperation between the relevant departments of the two countries on simplified customs, phytosanitary and quarantine control, as well as stimulation of use of the mechanism of commercial financing offered by Uzbek banks to Tajik entrepreneurs amounted up to USD 100 million.

Moreover, the parties elaborated organization of the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Uzbek-Tajik Business Council. They agreed to continue joint work in preparing for these events and to substantively explore new opportunities for investment, trade and economic cooperation.