General Motors expands cooperation with Uzbekistan
As part of the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum, issues related to developing cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States in the automotive manufacturing and technical regulation sectors were discussed.
Jurabek Shakarov, Deputy Director of the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation, met with representatives of General Motors, one of the leading U.S. automakers, and with the management of GM Uzbekistan.
The sides discussed in detail the elimination of technical barriers to trade and the development of cooperation in technical regulation, standardization, product testing, and conformity assessment. They emphasized that expanding cooperation in these areas would strengthen trade and industrial ties between Uzbekistan and the United States.
The key role of General Motors in developing and diversifying Uzbekistan’s automotive industry was highlighted separately. Over the past five years, more than 1.6 million vehicles have been produced in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has become Chevrolet’s second-largest market after the United States and ranks among the leaders in sales across Central Asia and the CIS.
The parties also discussed a proposal for the joint use of a modern automotive proving ground (testing complex) located in Pskent district of Tashkent region. The implementation of this initiative will help prevent vehicles that fail to meet safety requirements and technical regulations from entering the market. It was noted that this would help strengthen quality control and improve vehicle safety.
The possibilities for applying and implementing the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) were also considered. The Uzbek side reported that vehicle conformity assessment procedures in the country are carried out in accordance with international regulations adopted under UN agreements.
General Motors representatives confirmed their readiness to hold another meeting with the Agency’s delegation on June 22 in Washington. The parties agreed to intensify mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen collaboration in introducing modern standards and innovative solutions.
Shakhnoza Mamaturoрova, UzA
