Uzbekistan and Tajikistan agree on the introduction of electronic exchange of certificates of origin of goods

The event was held at the site of Uzbekexpertiza JSC with the support of the International Trade Center (ITC).

The initiative is being implemented within the framework of the European Union-funded project "Ready4Trade Central Asia: The Path to Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor" (2024-2028), aimed at simplifying cross-border procedures, strengthening regional coordination and increasing business competitiveness in Central Asian countries.

The meeting was a continuation of the practical implementation of the agreement signed on March 26, 2026, which laid the legal and institutional framework for the digital exchange and mutual recognition of electronic certificates of origin between the two countries.

During the technical session, the draft terms of electronic exchange were discussed, including the structure and format of data, the procedure and protocols for transmitting information, as well as the distribution of roles and responsibilities between relevant departments and technical structures.

Christos Marazopoulos, Head of the Cooperation Department of the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan, noted that the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is an important part of the EU's Global Gateway investment strategy in Central Asia. According to him, support for the digital exchange of certificates of origin makes it possible to turn trade facilitation commitments into practical tools that reduce delays and increase transparency.

The event was attended by representatives of relevant departments of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan involved in issuing and verifying certificates of origin, as well as representatives of the European Union and the ITC.

Umidkhon Azamkhodjayev, Deputy General Director of Uzbekexpertiza JSC, noted that the meeting allowed for a detailed study of the technical parameters of the future exchange, including the data structure and interaction procedures.

Jamolulo Davlatov, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan, stressed that the introduction of electronic exchange will help increase transparency, strengthen trust and improve conditions for participants in foreign trade.

The ITC Regional Coordinator, Adelina Harunjen, noted that the initiative is an important step towards the development of digital connectivity and the phased introduction of unified data exchange procedures in the region.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue working on technical specifications, agreeing on open issues and preparing documentation for the subsequent integration of national systems, testing and launching the electronic exchange of certificates of origin.