In his speech, the Head of the state noted that holding such a large-scale event as this Expo testifies to China’s success in restoring the national economy and the exceptional demand for broader international cooperation amid the current pandemic.
In this respect, Uzbekistan’s leader focused on key issues of enhancing mutually beneficial trade-economic interaction and developing interregional cooperation in the context of the global crisis.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted steadfast measures taken in Uzbekistan to liberalize the national economy, simplify the foreign trade regime and export-import procedures, harmonize the regulatory framework with international standards, shape green corridors, join the World Trade Organization, and create an even more favorable investment climate.
It was noted that strengthening cooperation in transport and expansion of Central Asia’s transport and transit potential remains an important priority.
In light of Uzbekistan’s active support for the One Belt One Road initiative, which opens up extensive prospects for bolstering the regional and interregional connectedness, confidence was expressed that Central Asia, as in the days of Great Silk Road, could again become a hub of transport and transit corridors between Europe and Asia.
The importance of the initiative to create new transport corridors connecting the railway systems of Central and South Asia, which would seal the land transport system of the Eurasian continent, was noted.
In this regard, the Head of the state stressed that Uzbekistan supports accelerating the development of railway construction project along the route of the new China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan multimodal transport corridor.
In addition, it was proposed to unite efforts in forming an integrated network of land ports, logistics and wholesale distribution centers within the framework of Belt and Road initiative.
Taking into account the demand for these initiatives, hope was expressed for the active support of partners and international organizations for Uzbekistan’s proposal to establish a Regional Center for Transport and Communication Interconnectedness under the auspices of the United Nations, forwarded at the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the country’s readiness to actively develop industrial cooperation, organize new joint ventures, primarily for the deep processing of mineral resources and the production of goods with high added value for export markets.
To this end, it was proposed to adopt a joint program of industrial cooperation and encourage business representatives of the two countries to implement specific projects using various instruments of joint investment funds, investment guarantees and insurance.
Uzbekistan’s leader drew attention of the ceremony participants to the fact that in the context of the pandemic, the acceleration of the digitalization process of the economy has become particularly relevant.
In this regard, it was proposed to develop joint measures on an even wider introduction of information technologies in international trade, customs clearance, transport and education.
President of Uzbekistan stressed the urgent need for closer international coordination and interaction at the bilateral and regional levels to overcome the socio-economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
It was emphasized that no country can overcome the consequences of the pandemic by its own in the face of production decline, the growing demand for medical products, financial instability and disruption of global supply chains.
In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev wished the participants of the Expo successful work and expressed confidence that the exhibition will afford an additional impetus to the process of restoring world trade and boosting the international economic cooperation.
Leaders of Serbia, Chile, South Africa, Spain, Pakistan and other countries, heads of a number of international organizations also addressed the ceremony.
Uzbekistan – China Business Forum is planned to be held in Shanghai on November 5 within the framework of the Third China International Import Expo 2020. About 150 representatives of major Chinese trade and investment companies are expected to attend the event.
The forum will feature a presentation of Uzbekistan's investment, export and tourism potential. In particular, Chinese businesspeople will get acquainted with new opportunities for cooperation with Uzbekistan partners in the oil and gas, textile, chemical, electrical engineering, metallurgical, food, agricultural and construction sectors.
The event participants will also be informed about the favorable business climate in Uzbekistan, conditions for doing business in free economic zones, achievements in development of the economy in various sectors.
