India has requested Uzbekistan to consider reduction of import tariff imposed by Uzbekistan, especially on fabrics and made-ups. India’s commerce and industries minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged visiting Uzbek ministers to reduce duty on readymade garments and to simplify the procedure for registration and certification.

Uzbek minister of foreign trade Elyor Ganiev and minister of foreign affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov held detailed discussions with Sitharaman on deepening trade and economic ties between India and Uzbekistan. Sitharaman suggested setting up and activation of a private industry led Joint Business Council to develop and enhance business relations at all levels including investments, trade in goods and services.

Sitharaman also requested Ganiev to consider reduction of import tariff which are comparatively higher especially on fabrics and madeups (up to 30 per cent), MFN duty on readymade garment products which is 31.1 per cent and simplifying the procedure for registration and certification.

The Indian side also requested Uzbekistan to become a member of multilateral INSTC Agreement which would facilitate increased international transit cargo traffic through Iran. Both sides underlined the high importance of transport and logistics infrastructure for strengthening bilateral trade ties.