A delegation from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT) participated for the first time in the European Union’s working group session on implementing the Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), held on 4−5 December in Brussels.
Uzbekistani officials presented the country’s progress under GSP+ since obtaining beneficiary status in 2021. Over this period, exports to the EU have nearly tripled, reaching $1.15 billion. Uzbekistan has established stable exports of more than 1,100 product categories — ranging from agricultural goods to textiles, electrical equipment and chemicals — out of the 6,200 eligible categories.
The delegation proposed expanding the list of goods eligible for duty-free export under GSP+ to include fresh fruits and vegetables. They also called on the EU to review seasonal export quotas for these goods, extending the timeframe to ensure supply stability and competitiveness in the European market.
Photo: MIIT.
Additionally, MIIT representatives proposed a 10-year extension of the GSP+ preferential trade regime, which is currently set to expire on 31 December, 2027. The proposed extension aims to preserve existing achievements and foster long-term economic ties with the EU.
During meetings with senior officials from the European Commission’s trade and international cooperation departments, discussions focused on enhancing access for products of Uzbekistan to the EU market. Topics included revising import quotas on rolled metal and securing technical support from the EU to align products of Uzbekistan with European standards.
GSP+ is an enhanced version of the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences, designed to promote sustainable development and poverty reduction by facilitating market access for goods from developing countries.
