Section 7. Economy and Health

23. In order to intensify cooperation in the economic sphere, the Sides are striving to harmonise the technical regulations in their two countries. This goal should be achieved in accordance with the Protocol of Intentions between the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation under the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the German Eastern Business Association (9th November 2021, Frankfurt). In addition, intensification of cooperation is intended in the future in the following areas: the construction industry, cybersecurity, digital transformation/Industry 4.0, the chemical industry, electronics/electrical engineering, the energy industry, agriculture, special-purpose vehicles (such as agricultural machinery), mechanical engineering, light industry/textile industry, Green Deal/hydrogen. The Sides also seek to enhance cooperation in quality infrastructure as a cross-cutting issue.

24. The Sides wish to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of achieving the goals specified in the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022 — 2026.

25. For 2023, an exchange of experience is envisaged by the Sides with a view to implementing Global GAP, organic and other international standards and certification in agricultural operations. In addition, the German Eastern Business Association in Berlin will hold a business forum to be attended by representatives of German companies and stakeholders from key business sectors.

26. The German Side intends to provide high-level advisory services to the Government in the Republic of Uzbekistan through the German Economic Team Uzbekistan (GET Uzbekistan). In addition, the German Side will continue the cooperation on further training for managerial staff within the framework of the Uzbek-German Manager Training Programme. It is envisaged that regular meetings of the Uzbek-German intergovernmental working group on trade and investment will be resumed.

27. The Sides concur in their intention to continue to participate in trade fairs in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Federal Republic of Germany. BMWK continues to help small and medium-sized businesses to participate in trade fairs in the Republic of Uzbekistan by providing a joint stand for them; this assistance is provided under its Foreign Trade Fair Programme.

28. In the field of health, social security and demographic policy, the German Side already supports the effective use of high-tech for modern therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The funds provided for this purpose will be increased by 1.5 million euro. In addition, the German Side has already supported the implementation of the Uzbek Health Strategy with funds totalling 10 million euro, bringing the current health portfolio to a total of up to 214 million euro.