Belarus and Uzbekistan have discussed measures to boost bilateral trade and strengthen customs cooperation as they seek to double trade turnover in the coming years.

This was reflected in the statement by the Belarusian State Customs Committee following a meeting between Chairman of the Belarusian State Customs Committee Vladimir Orlovsky and Uzbekistan's newly appointed Ambassador to Belarus, Nurriddin Mamajonov, Trend reported.

The talks centered on supporting the growth of trade flows between the two countries, in line with a goal set by the presidents of Belarus and Uzbekistan during their recent meeting in Minsk to double bilateral trade over the next several years.

A key focus of the discussions was the implementation of the 2024 intergovernmental agreement on the mutual use of electronic systems for certifying the origin of goods. The digital platform is expected to simplify customs procedures, reduce administrative barriers, and facilitate trade between the two countries.

"The use of this digital solution will contribute to simplifying mutual trade and increasing bilateral trade turnover," the Belarusian State Customs Committee said.

The parties also discussed the implementation of an agreement on the mutual recognition of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which provides certified businesses with simplified customs procedures and other trade facilitation measures when operating in both countries.

According to the committee, the agreement introduces a range of customs simplifications for authorized economic operators, helping reduce clearance times and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.

The meeting concluded with both sides identifying several priority areas for practical cooperation aimed at boosting trade volumes and strengthening customs collaboration between Belarus and Uzbekistan.