Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan called for simplification of trade procedures between the countries of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

Minister of Trade, Industry and Investments of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov spoke at the 18th session of the Governing Council of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Baku.

He noted the need to simplify trade procedures between SPECA countries and create conditions for a significant increase in trade turnover, Report.az reports.

Laziz Kudratovemphasized that Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover with the SPECA countries increased by 18%, reaching US$8 billion. However, he also noted a decrease in growth rates due to existing obstacles in the field of trade.

Minister expressed the importance of intensifying cooperation with the Economic Commission for Europe and the Economic and Social Commission of the Asia-Pacific Region (ESCATO).

He emphasized that trade facilitation, the use of new mechanisms, the application of advanced methods in customs administration and other measures play an important role in increasing trade volumes.

He also noted the importance of digitalizing cargo transportation processes, introducing a “single window” and launching an electronic platform for regional trade.