The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade systemically works for Uzbekistan to obtain the status of a beneficiary country of the European Union Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+) to further strengthen bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation with EU countries and to improve the conditions for access of domestic goods to the European market.

It should be noted that Uzbekistan's inclusion in the GSP+ beneficiary countries enables a significant increase in export supplies to the EU and an increase in the competitiveness of domestic goods in the European market/

For reference: Currently, Uzbekistan uses the basic Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). This provides that Uzbekistan can export about 3,000 items of goods with no customs duties and 3,200 items - at reduced rates.

If Uzbekistan receives unilateral tariff preferences under the GSP+, then the number of commodity items to be exported by the Uzbek manufacturers will be increased up to 6,200.

According to the requirements of the European side, to obtain GSP+ preferences, the country concerned should meet specific conditions, including the ratification and effective implementation of 27 international conventions, such as 16 - within human rights and basic labor standards and 11 - within environmental protection and effective management.

Currently, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade supported by the relevant ministries and departments completed implementation of above conditions, in particular:

- Republic of Uzbekistan jointed all 27 international conventions;

- we prepared and sent comprehensive answers to the questionnaire submitted by the EU authorities on Republican's implementation of obligations assumed under the ratified conventions;

- during the period from April till May this year, we held video conferences with EU officials and experts to negotiate on the assessment of the progress in obligations assumed under the above conventions.

Following the results of the events, the European side informed on preliminary adoption of a positive conclusion on Uzbekistan's compliance with the requirements set to obtain GSP+ beneficiary country status and eligibility to officially apply for the Uzbek side.

In view of this, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade prepared and sent for the EU consideration a dossier, including Uzbekistan's official application for inclusion in the European Union Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+), information on the ratification of conventions and letter of commitment on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan according to the regulations of the EU Commission.

The obtaining of the GSP+ beneficiary country status will significantly strengthen the sustainable growth and diversification of exports, which will also provide dynamic development of mutually beneficial foreign economic relations with the countries of the European Union.