Golovchenko: Belarus and Uzbekistan have potential to increase mutual trade

Roman Golovchenko

June 20, MINSK. Belarus and Uzbekistan have the potential to increase the volume of mutual trade. This was stated by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko with Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, BelTA has learned.

The parties expressed mutual interest in intensifying cooperation, unlocking the potential for interaction. “There are positive dynamics in almost all areas. This is very important, especially in this difficult time for our country. Belarus has become a target for massive political and economic pressure from the collective West. We are coping with these challenges, including relying on the support of our traditional partners with whom we are developing sustainable trade and economic ties. We highly appreciate the friendly, partnership approach of Uzbekistan in this situation and see a clear course towards maintaining and building up full-fledged interaction,"

Trade between the two countries is growing. "The potential of our economies allows us to continue thinking about increasing the volume of mutual trade," the Prime Minister said.

"We expect that the upcoming high-level meeting during the planned visit of the President of Belarus to Uzbekistan in September this year within the framework of the SCO will give an additional impetus to the further development of relations," Roman Golovchenko added. In order to prepare for this meeting, he proposed holding a meeting of the intergovernmental commission in July.

In 2021, the trade turnover between Belarus and Uzbekistan amounted to $301.9 million and increased by 7.8% compared to 2020, exports - $245.4 million (an increase of 3.3%). The balance is positive - $188.9 million. The main positions of Belarusian exports in 2021 were specific goods, MEAT and meat products, medicines, vinyl chloride polymers, MILK powder , diagnostic reagents. The basis of imports of goods from Uzbekistan was cotton yarn, fresh and dried fruits, specific products, rolled copper, bed linen.

In January - April 2022, the trade turnover amounted to $121.2 million and increased by 32.5% compared to the corresponding period in 2021, exports - $92.6 million (an increase of 17.7%).

103 organizations are registered in Uzbekistan, the founders of which are residents of Belarus, as well as representative offices of Avtopromsnab-spedition LLC, Softclub LLC, AmantisMed LLC, Belvitunifarm OJSC.

On the territory of Uzbekistan, one assembly plant of Belarusian equipment was created with the participation of Belarusian capital - JV LLC "AMKODOR-AGROTEXMASH" (founder - JSC "AMKODOR"). Cooperation between MAZ OJSC and KRANTAS GROUP LLC, MTZ OJSC and Uzavtosanoat JSC continues in the field of production of vehicles and tractors.

The Marko company is implementing a joint project for the production of footwear in Uzbekistan. Svetlogorsk Plant of Welding Electrodes LLC is implementing an investment project in this country, for this purpose, MONOLITH ASIA LLC was established in Tashkent. A number of joint projects in the field of pharmaceuticals are also being implemented.

Abdulla Aripov