Uzbekistan, Eurasian Economic Union Boost Partnership Across Key Sectors

Uzbekistan’s growing role in Eurasian integration has taken center stage at a briefing held at the Sputnik Uzbekistan multimedia press center, where Ruslan Davydov, Minister for Customs Cooperation of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), outlined new directions in cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Davydov noted that Uzbekistan remains one of the most active observer states within the EAEU, not only participating in key integration processes but also putting forward its own initiatives aimed at expanding economic and customs cooperation, The Caspian Post informs via Uzbek media.

Uzbekistan may join the EAEU’s unified customs transit system

One of the main topics of the briefing was Uzbekistan’s potential accession to the EAEU’s unified customs transit system. Davydov emphasized that this move would simplify the movement of goods, increase transparency, and harmonize customs procedures across the region-opening the door to smoother and faster trade flows.

Trade turnover continues to climb

Economic ties between Uzbekistan and EAEU member states remain strong.

Last year, mutual trade reached $15 billion, and in the first seven months of this year, it grew by another 10% - a clear sign that Uzbekistan has become a reliable and strategically important partner for the Eurasian bloc.

A cultural gesture with symbolic meaning

Davydov also highlighted Uzbekistan’s recent restoration and relocation of the monument to Mikhail Pospelov, the real-life prototype of Vereshchagin - the iconic customs officer from the cult film White Sun of the Desert.

He called the monument a meaningful symbol for CIS customs services:

“It is becoming a kind of sacred place. Customs officers will visit, lay flowers, and remember the key phrase: ‘I do not take bribes - it pains me for the state.’”

AI is transforming customs administration

A significant portion of the briefing focused on digital transformation. Davydov stressed that artificial intelligence is now a core tool for modernizing customs processes.

AI technologies help automate routine tasks and sharpen risk-management systems, allowing customs authorities to focus on high-risk participants in foreign trade while reducing unnecessary checks for compliant businesses.

This shift makes customs control faster, smarter, and more targeted.