The Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov speaking today at the expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Minsk put forward a series of proposals to expand cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
He called for developing digital trade and for Uzbekistan's inclusion in the EAEU's common customs transit system. To strengthen industrial cooperation, he proposed opening a dedicated project office in Uzbekistan.
He also said labor migration needs to be made easier and proposed linking member countries' electronic employment services. The step is intended to make the migration process more transparent and convenient.
The PM also spoke about implementing "green" projects in energy-intensive industries, proposing that they be supported through green financing, concessional loans and public-private partnerships.
On tourism, he announced an initiative to create a Central Asia Tourism Ring, under which joint travel routes and tour packages would be developed and promoted together.
Trade with EAEU countries tops $20 billion
Aripov noted that Uzbekistan's economic ties with EAEU countries are growing. Trade with union members exceeded $20 billion at the end of 2025, he said.
In the first eight months of 2026, that figure rose a further 16%, according to the prime minister.
Uzbekistan is not an EAEU member but holds observer status, and Aripov attended the Minsk meeting as a representative of an observer state.
Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev also addressed the meeting. The sides discussed economic integration and cooperation in energy, logistics and agriculture.
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