Belgrade hosts the first meeting of the Uzbekistan – Serbia Intergovernmental Commission
The first meeting of the Uzbekistan – Serbia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was recently held in Belgrade and co-chaired by the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov and the Minister for International Economic Cooperation of the Republic of Serbia Nenad Popović.
The meeting, attended by representatives from relevant ministries, agencies, and regions, highlighted that the President’s official visit to Serbia would initiate a new chapter in the partnership. The start of the Commission’s work is strengthening the political commitment of both countries’ leaders through tangible economic initiatives.
It was also noted that the entry into force of the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and the Agreement on the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments is establishing a solid legal framework for expanding business ties.
During discussions on mutual trade, the parties prepared to sign a Joint Declaration to establish a working group for negotiating a Free Trade Agreement. This aims to liberalize bilateral trade, foster better conditions for exchanging goods and services, and boost trade volume.
Currently, ten companies with Serbian capital operate in Uzbekistan. Opportunities for collaboration have been identified, particularly in localizing components and pharmaceuticals, textile manufacturing, seed breeding, horticulture, and milk processing.
To streamline freight transportation, it was suggested to implement an electronic system for permits and initial customs data, which would decrease reliance on paper documents. Regarding infrastructure, Uzbekistan evaluated opportunities to participate in modernizing Serbia’s railway network, such as developing a 200-kilometer segment.
The parties intend to leverage international exhibition platforms and organize joint business events to showcase products and investment proposals from both nations, find potential partners, and explore opportunities for intersectoral cooperation. One planned event is EXPO 2027, scheduled to take place in Belgrade.
In addition to economic issues, the participants talked about collaboration in joint scientific research, academic exchanges, culture and tourism, labor migration, and social protection. They also supported strengthening partnership between Tashkent and Belgrade, Samarkand and Novi Sad, as well as between Samarkand region and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina.
Guzal Sattorova, UzA
