Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 12 March, a regular meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan was held in Dushanbe.

At the meeting chaired by the Prime Ministers of the two countries, it was confirmed that through the joint efforts of Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon, the strategic partnership and allied relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are rapidly developing in the spirit of friendship, good neighborliness and mutual respect. It was noted that specific tasks have been identified for the further development of multilateral relations.

Mutual trade has been growing in recent years. Last year, its volume reached US$757 million. It was noted that in the future it is necessary to take all measures to increase mutual trade to US$1 billion, and this can be achieved through the consistent implementation of a number of joint projects in the areas of industrial cooperation, energy, agriculture and water management resources, transport and logistics.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to the issues of accelerating the implementation of the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan international border trade zone project and the creation of wholesale distribution centers in border areas for the export of agricultural products to third countries.

It was also determined that it is necessary to use existing opportunities to deepen industrial cooperation in the agro-industrial, textile, pharmaceutical, chemical, metallurgical, electrical, engineering, production of building materials and other areas.

At the meeting, it was reported that the ongoing work to develop interregional cooperation is bearing fruit, and preparations are underway for the second Uzbekistan-Tajikistan interregional forum on the eve of the high-level meeting.

The parties expressed interest in further developing cooperation in the field of agriculture, creating joint agricultural clusters in the border areas of the two countries, and conducting joint research.

It was noted that cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere will become an important factor in the implementation of joint trade, economic and investment projects in the field of transport and communications, strengthening fraternal and good neighborly relations between our friendly peoples.

Following the event, a protocol was signed
11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan.