Uzbekistan, Serbia to start negotiating free trade agreement
TASHKENT. Sept 8 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan and Serbia intend to begin negotiating a free trade agreement, the Uzbek Investment, Industry and Trade Ministry's press service said.
This issue was discussed in Belgrade at the first meeting of the Joint Serbian-Uzbek Commission on Economic Cooperation, co-chaired by the Uzbek ministry's head, Laziz Kudratov, and by Serbian International Economic Relations Minister Nenad Popovic.
A joint declaration on establishing a working group to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement was drafted.
The parties also agreed to expand industrial cooperation and establish joint ventures. At present, 10 enterprises with Serbian capital operate in Uzbekistan.
Promising areas include the production of components and pharmaceuticals, textiles, seed production, horticulture and dairy processing. Cooperation in critical minerals, digital geology, artificial intelligence, 5G technologies and export-oriented IT projects is also being explored.
Uzbekistan's potential participation in the modernization of Serbia's railway infrastructure, including the construction of a 200-kilometer section, was discussed. To facilitate freight transport, the introduction of an electronic exchange of permits and preliminary customs information was proposed.
A joint action plan for the development of industrial partnerships for 2026-2028 was signed following the meeting.
In addition, Serbian Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic and Uzbek Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov discussed expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector of the two countries.
"Livestock farming and meat processing were among the main areas discussed. The two sides considered attracting investment to develop production in Serbia, with a view to supplying products to Uzbekistan's growing market," the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management said.
Prospects for increasing mutual trade and cooperation fruit growing and water resources management were also discussed. Abdurakhmonov said more than 2.5 million hectares were irrigated in Uzbekistan. The country intends to improve its irrigation systems and increase water-use efficiency through modern technologies. He said Serbian experience and relevant technological solutions could be in demand in this area.
"The ministers also outlined a broader framework for future cooperation. It is expected to include the development of intensive and technologically advanced agriculture, wider use of scientific developments, digital solutions and artificial intelligence, as well as joint investment and production. The partnership is aimed not only at increasing bilateral trade but also at potentially jointly entering third-country markets with agricultural products. A joint working group was established to implement the agreements in practice," the ministry said.
The intergovernmental commission meeting coincides with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's official visit to Serbia on September 7-8, with high-level talks and a business forum in Belgrade scheduled for Tuesday.
