© Reuters. Uzbekistan to become observer in Russia-led trade blocTASHKENT (Reuters) – Uzbekistan will become an observer in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) before deciding if it wants to become a full member of the trade bloc, the Tashkent government said on Saturday.
The union established by Russia and allies Belarus and Kazakhstan in 2015 has since grown to include Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Another former Soviet republic, Moldova, is an observer.
The bloc aims to ensure free flow of goods and capital within its borders, although some members have criticized it for allowing too many exceptions to free trade.
The EAEU has been courting Uzbekistan since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016 following the death of veteran leader Islam Karimov who showed no willingness to join.
The Uzbek-Russian ties have warmed under Mirziyoyev who has ended his predecessor’s isolationist policies and has sought to boost foreign investment.
With a population of 34 million Uzbekistan could potentially become the second-biggest consumer market in the EAEU after Russia.
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Source: Economy - investing.com
