Without exceptions or limitations, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan urged to enhance the effectiveness of free trade among CIS countries.

The meeting focused on the development of mutual trade in light of Western sanctions.

Aripov stated that Uzbekistan is finalizing procedures for the unification of excise duties on imported and domestic products as well as the ratification of the agreement on free trade in services and investment activities to transition to free trade with CIS countries. He also urged partners in the Commonwealth to take similar measures.

“First and foremost, it is important to intensify joint efforts to ensure the effective functioning of the free trade zone in the CIS space without exceptions and restrictions,” he stated.

The Prime Minister also shared Uzbekistan's plans to host a series of events in April 2025 as part of the fifth "Innoprom" exhibition, including a meeting of the CIS Economic Council, the Innovation Development Forum, and the first CIS Regions Forum, inviting delegations from Commonwealth countries to participate actively.

Additionally, he discussed the country's plans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Fascism next year.

“This is our common victory. In Uzbekistan, we remember the price we paid for this victory. It is important to preserve the memory of this difficult period in our shared history and to prevent the repetition of such tragic events,” noted the head of government.

The next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of CIS countries was proposed to be held on May 30, 2025, in Dushanbe.