Systemic activities on modernization and
diversification of the economy are being carried out in our country. In
particular, one of its results this year was the liberalization of
trade, increasing the country’s export potential.
Customs duties for all exported goods and
services were abolished, the licensing and export system was
simplified. A zero rate of customs duties has been established for more
than 60 percent types of goods. Thus, the customs duty rate in
Uzbekistan has been reduced up to 6,45 percent.
This was noted at the press conference on
the results of activities of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the
Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017.
Necessary conditions for further
liberalization of foreign trade, increasing the exports range of
products that are in great demand in the world market were created in
2017. For example, the prepayment procedure for products has been
eliminated and a system of delivering products to a foreign market
without surety obligations has been set up in order to encourage
exports. The obsolete licensing procedures were abolished, tax
exemptions for exporters were extended.
The unified deadline for calculating
overdue accounts receivable on export contracts was extended to 120
days. A number of conveniences have also been created for entrepreneurs
in customs control.
Speaking about the liberalization of the
economy, creation of an opportunity for free conversion of the national
currency should be emphasized. Starting from September 2017, the
procedure for compulsory sale of the currency part received from exports
has been canceled. This provides further stimulation of small business
and private entrepreneurship and introduction of modern technologies
into production.
This year, the policy of expanding trade
and economic relations with foreign countries continued in foreign trade
policy. In 2017, more than 20 high-level visits, more than 60 meetings
with heads and representatives of state and international organizations
were held. As a result, export contracts were signed for 11 billion US
dollars.
As Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade
Sakhib Saifnazarov noted, the Concept of development of export activity
of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2018-2021 has been developed. It is
aimed at ensuring implementation of the Action Strategy, expanding the
export potential of the country through the production development of
new types of products. Its successful implementation will contribute to
increasing the country’s export volume by 2,5 times, in the future.
At the event, information on activities
of stimulating foreign trade, which the ministry will have to execute in
2018, was provided.
