Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev held negotiations with visiting Ukrainian Prime Minister Victor Yanukovich on Thursday, 26 April.

The sides noted that bilateral relations between states have great potential for development. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Ukraine rose by 86% year-on-year to US$615.3 million in 2006. Uzbek-Ukrainian trade turnover in January-February 2007 made up US$80 million.

Uzbekistan exports to Ukraine energy resources, cotton-fibre, oil seeds, vegetables and fruits, non-ferrous metals and products from them, textile, plastic goods and vehicles. UzDaewooAuto, Uzbek carmaker, has exported over 10,000 cars to Ukraine since 2000.

The country imports from Ukraine machinery equipment, ferrous metal and products from them, pharmaceutical products, electronics, vehicles, paper, rubber and products from them, etc.

Over 40 Uzbek-Ukrainian joint ventures registered in Uzbekistan, which operate in such sectors as food, furniture, textile and chemical industry, as well as construction. Some offices of 12 Ukrainian firms accredited in Uzbekistan.

About 26 joint ventures with Uzbek capital work in Ukraine and they are engaged in production of consumer goods, export supplies and render various services.

During the talks, the sides expressed interest in development of cooperation in all directions of existing relations. The sides considered issues on expansion of investment cooperation and effective use of transport corridors through Ukraine in transit of Uzbek cargo. The officials also discussed perspectives of strengthening of mutual beneficial contacts in other sectors along with development of trade-economic relations. The sides agreed to expand cooperation in bilateral and multilateral scientific projects.

On the results of the talks, an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in emergency prevention and clean-up operations.

Directions of development of multilateral cooperation were discussed at the Uzbek-Ukrainian Business Forum, which was attended by business circles of Uzbekistan and Ukraine. The sides agreed to create joint ventures, including construction of tractors, equipment for agriculture, oil and gas sectors in Uzbekistan.

It is also planned to sign new contracts in metallurgy, machinery and other sectors, which will serve to expansion of trade turnover between states.