Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Opening the plenary session of the Council, Denis Manturov read a welcoming address from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the participants, organizers, and guests of the event. It stated, in part: "Relations between our countries are developing dynamically in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance. Regional ties have traditionally been a significant component of these relations. These ties are actively supported at various levels. More than 40 interregional agreements are already in effect, providing conditions for the implementation of joint economic, social, and humanitarian projects, the opening of industrial parks and technology centers, and the holding of exhibitions and presentations. The Council of Regions provides an excellent opportunity for direct dialogue involving heads of central and local governments, entrepreneurs, experts, representatives of academia, universities, and public organizations. The agenda of this year's event includes current issues of cooperation in industry and agriculture, energy and e-commerce, transport and logistics, culture, and education."
Denis Manturov, in turn, noted that almost all Russian regions are already involved in trade and economic cooperation with their Uzbek colleagues.
"It's important to translate the agreements reached into roadmaps, planning specific actions and deadlines for their implementation," the First Deputy Prime Minister emphasized. In practical terms, he noted the work being done in a number of Russian regions to create new and develop existing trading houses and wholesale distribution centers.
"Electronic marketplaces are becoming increasingly important in promoting national goods. Russian marketplaces like Ozon and Wildberries are expanding their physical presence in Uzbekistan. They're opening pickup points and building the infrastructure for sorting and logistics centers," added Denis Manturov.
Comprehensive efforts at the national and regional levels, coupled with proactive business efforts, are yielding results. "Since 2019, trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan has more than doubled, approaching a trillion rubles. And this year, we're seeing another 7% growth," said Denis Manturov.
Companies from both countries are promoting joint industrial projects. Among the key initiatives of the past two years, Denis Manturov noted the launch of crop protection chemical production in the Samarkand region and fiberglass production in Nukus.
To increase the number of such projects, special attention is being paid to developing mechanisms to support cooperation. The Russian-Uzbek investment platform is intended to be a key element of this work. It was established at the request of the heads of state. A list of promising projects has already been prepared, the first of which are expected to receive funding in the near future.
Among other priority areas of joint work, Denis Manturov named cooperation in transport, the energy sector, and technical regulation. He emphasized the particular importance of developing humanitarian ties and expanding tourism exchanges.
Jamshid Khodjayev began his speech by delivering a greeting from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The President of Uzbekistan's greeting stated, in part: "The mechanism for interaction between regions, established seven years ago, has proven its effectiveness and practical relevance. In this regard, a decision was made to transform the forum into a Council of Regions, the first meeting of which took place last year during the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation to Uzbekistan." Shavkat Mirziyoyev called the participation of regional leaders from Russia and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of the business communities of both countries, clear evidence of the growing role of the regions in strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. "I emphasize that the regions play a key role in achieving our strategic goals and should become the main drivers of practical cooperation," the President of Uzbekistan said in his greeting.
"The comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance between Uzbekistan and Russia are based on long-standing ties and are rich in significant historical events. In the context of geopolitical instability and global economic challenges, the key to addressing a range of strategic challenges facing our countries lies in the regions, which are becoming the true driving force behind our countries' development. I am confident that the forum will open a new horizon for cooperation and launch joint projects aimed at sustainable economic development in the regions and improving the living standards and well-being of citizens of Uzbekistan and Russia," emphasized Jamshid Khodjaev.
The plenary session of the council featured speeches from the governors of the Moscow, Arkhangelsk, Omsk, and Tomsk regions, the heads of the Tashkent, Bukhara, and Surkhandarya regions, the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and the leadership of the Russian-Uzbek Business Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Following the meeting, a ceremony to exchange signed documents took place in the presence of the two countries' deputy prime ministers. In total, more than 30 agreements were signed between Russian and Uzbek regions on cooperation in trade, economic, scientific, technical, social, humanitarian, cultural, and other areas.
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