Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Align Practical Steps for the Electronic Exchange of Certificates of Origin
On 30 April 2026, a bilateral technical meeting of the working group on the implementation of the provisions of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the mutual application of electronic systems for the certification of origin of goods was held in Tashkent. The event took place at the premises of JSC “Uzbekekspertiza” with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC).
The initiative is being implemented in the framework of the EU funded project “Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (2024–2028)”, implemented by the International Trade Centre. The project aims to simplify cross-border formalities, strengthen regional coordination and enhance business competitiveness across Central Asia.
The meeting marked another practical step following the signing of the bilateral agreement on 26 March 2026, which established the institutional, political and legal foundation for the digital exchange and mutual recognition of electronic certificates of origin between the two countries. The technical session focused on the draft technical conditions for the electronic exchange of certificates of origin, including the structure and format of the data to be exchanged, the procedures and protocols for data transmission, as well as the distribution of roles and responsibilities among the agencies and technical organizations involved.
“The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor plays a key role in the European Union’s Global Gateway investment strategy in Central Asia. We support both infrastructure investments and institutional reforms along the corridor, and today’s meeting is a clear demonstration of our productive cooperation in this area. By supporting the digital exchange of certificates of origin, the European Union is helping turn trade facilitation commitments into practical tools that cut delays, increase transparency and strengthen regional connectivity,” said Christos Marazopoulos, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan.
The meeting brought together technical experts and representatives of the relevant institutions of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan engaged in the issuance, verification and electronic exchange of certificates of origin, as well as representatives of the International Trade Centre.
“Today’s meeting made it possible to move from the broader framework of the bilateral agreement to a substantive discussion of the technical parameters of the future exchange. It is important for us that the parties have begun practical work on the data structure, interaction procedures and the next steps required to launch the electronic exchange of certificates of origin,” said Deputy General Director of JSC “Uzbekekspertiza”, Umidkhon Azamkhodjaev.
During the discussions, participants reviewed the current status of the bilateral initiative, the draft technical conditions for data exchange and the draft operational plan for further work. Particular attention was given to agreeing on the core structure of the technical document, refining the composition of the data to be exchanged, identifying issues requiring further technical work, and shaping the next steps for the preparation of subsequent technical documentation.
“We consider this activity as an important milestone in the development of practical cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the effective use of digital technologies. The electronic exchange of certificates of origin will contribute to more convenient and transparent interaction among the relevant authorities, strengthen trust, and improve the enabling environment for participants in foreign trade,” noted Jamolulo Davlatov, Head of Department, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan.
These activities are part of the current phase of the bilateral process outlined in the draft operational plan of the working group. In 2026, this process includes agreeing on the format and structure of data exchange, defining data transfer procedures and protocols, preparing and refining technical specifications, followed by the development of technical documentation, integration of national systems, testing, piloting, and the subsequent launch of the exchange.
“This initiative is a concrete example of how connectivity is built in practice - not through concepts, but through step-by-step alignment of procedures, systems, and data exchange between countries. These efforts lay the groundwork for scaling digital solutions across the region and making trade more predictable and efficient,” said Adelina Harunjen, Trade Facilitation Lead for Central Asia and Eastern Europe, International Trade Centre (ITC).
The parties confirmed their intention to continue their joint technical work on refining the draft technical conditions, resolving outstanding issues, and preparing the next package of technical documentation required for the practical implementation of the electronic exchange of certificates of origin between the two countries.
About Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (2024-2028)
This four-year technical assistance project funded by the European Union aims to advance the EU-Central Asia connectivity agenda through increasing the operational efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and internationalisation of Central Asian business. This will be achieved through simplifying cross-border formalities to attract trade and sustainable investment; improving regional coordination to foster trade and transport connectivity; and enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to facilitate their access to regional and EU markets, including through leveraging the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
About the European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.
About the International Trade Centre
The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.