A press conference was held in Tashkent on the topic “Expanding the capabilities of the Generalized System of Preferences plus (“GSP+”) of the European Union for Uzbekistan”

On November 22, the European Union decided to extend the EU General System of Preferences Plus (“GSP+”) for beneficiary countries, including Uzbekistan, for the next four years (until December 31, 2027).

The extension was announced on November 23, 2023 at a press conference held jointly by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade and the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan on the topic “Expanding the capabilities of the European Union Generalized System of Preferences Plus (“GSP+”) for Uzbekistan”, the PR-center of MIIT reports.

The event was attended by the leadership of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the delegation of the European Union in Uzbekistan, the embassies of EU member states in Uzbekistan, ministries and departments, the private sector, as well as representatives of local and foreign media.

At the opening of the press conference, the Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, Charlotte Adrian, noted the following: “I am pleased to see that GSP+ is becoming a real success story in the daily close partnership between the EU and Uzbekistan. This gives a major boost to the development of the private sector in your country, providing easier access to the 448 million European market, encouraging closer cooperation between European and Uzbek companies and significant savings at borders.

From a policy perspective, GSP+ is consistent with Uzbekistan’s strategy to comply with international standards in the fields of labor and human rights, good governance and the environment through the implementation of 27 international conventions. The extension of GSP+ will provide greater predictability for the private sector and is a further sign of the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting the reform process in Uzbekistan”.

Also speaking during the meeting was Badriddin Abidov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who noted the following: “The decision of the European Union to grant Uzbekistan the status of a GSP+ beneficiary country and extend the validity of these benefits is a clear international recognition of the comprehensive reforms being carried out today in the country under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, including in the sphere of formation of a democratic state with strong institutions of public administration and civil society”.

Along with the successful use of benefits under GSP+, we express our readiness to cooperate with the European Union in the monitoring processes of this mechanism and work together to fulfill the requirements of relevant international conventions.

At the same time, we are interested in our cooperation with the European Union within the framework of GSP+ becoming a significant impetus for further deepening our trade, economic and investment relations with the European side in order to further expand the fundamental reforms being carried out in our country to form a market economy.” .

Also speaking at the event, Advisor to the Chairman of the Uztekstilprom Association, Shakhzoda Kuchkarova, and Advisor to the Chairman of the Uzeltekhprom Association, Bektemir Murodov, especially noted the importance of the benefits provided under GSP+ for the textile and electrical industries of the country that have special potential.

It should be noted that as a result of measures taken to strengthen trade relations with the European Union and expand the geography of Uzbekistan’s exports, at the end of 2022, 628 enterprises (116 more than in the corresponding period of 2021) exported local products to European markets worth 647 million in dollar equivalent (i.e. twice as much as in 2020 ($292 million).

In particular, within the framework of GSP+ benefits, textile industry products worth $177.4 million were exported to the EU markets (an increase compared to 2021 – 126.4 percent), chemical industry products – $138.3 million (4.7 times), agriculture and food industry – $19.7 million (103 percent), electrical industry – $9 million (117 percent).

“In 2022, thanks to GSP+, Uzbek exporters saved 28 million euros in import duties. This is a major EU contribution to the development of the private sector in Uzbekistan. It grew more than tenfold between 2019 and 2022”.

As part of the report of the European Union Monitoring Commission “GSP+”, presented at a press conference, it was noted that Uzbekistan has made progress in the implementation of UN conventions, having adopted a number of legislative acts on women’s rights and gender equality, combating violence, and improving economic and social rights.

The status of a beneficiary of the preferential system “GSP+” creates the opportunity to expand mutually beneficial trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and representatives of European business.

Another positive point is that this has a positive effect on the well-being of the population, that is, the deepening of trade relations serves to expand business and create new jobs in our country.