Shavkat Mirziyoyev calls on Turkic States to strengthen trade relations, review customs tariffs

“The trade turnover between our countries is only 4% of our total foreign trade and the rest of it corresponds to the share of third countries. Of course, none of us are satisfied with this low level of collaboration. We fully support the proposal to launch a mutual fund.

In addition, some import customs tariffs remain high among our countries. In order to radically change the situation in this strategic direction, to ensure the free movement of trade, investment and services, we will put forward the initiative to establish a “Zone of New Economic Opportunities” within the framework of our Organization.

We talk a lot about the Trans-Caspian International Corridor, but we have to do a lot to achieve tangible results. For example, Uzbekistan transports 10 percent of foreign trade goods through this transport corridor. We call on the countries of our Organization to join the system of exchanging electronic vehicle permits recently introduced between Türkiye and Uzbekistan. The First Turkic Agroforum held in Tashkent this year clearly showed that we have great potential in the field of ensuring food safety.

Our organization has the opportunity to supply not only our countries but also foreign markets with agricultural and food products. At the same time, we should strengthen our practical steps in this direction and deepen our cooperation based on specific projects.

In particular, I suggest the following:

First, it is time to adopt a multilateral agreement within our Organization to create an effective food supply system based on the needs of our global and domestic markets and the production capabilities of our countries.

Second, it is important to establish a comprehensive partnership between the Organization of Turkic States and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in order to accelerate the introduction of innovations, modern knowledge and advanced technologies into the sector.

Thirdly, on the basis of positive experience, we should regularly hold the Turkic Agroforum and organize the “Smart” international agricultural exhibition at its second conference,” a Kun.uz correspondent quotes the president as saying.