Published
01/17/2026, 12:33The Eurasian Economic Union is once again discussing the possibility of expanding its membership. Uzbekistan's full accession to the Union could be an important step towards deepening economic integration in Central Asia. This was stated by Russia's trade representative in Uzbekistan, Konstantin Zlygostov, according to Ulysmedia.
According to him, Uzbekistan's accession to the EAEU would open up access to a common market of almost 180 million people for the republic, as well as allow Uzbek products — primarily textiles, agricultural products, chemical and food industry goods — to move freely through the territory of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan without additional bureaucratic procedures.
“Uzbekistan's accession to the EAEU would give a significant boost to the economic integration of the entire Central Asian region. This is a serious niche for Uzbek products oriented towards export,” Zlygostov noted.
Among the possible effects, he mentioned the reduction of tariff barriers, the unification of technical standards, and increased investment in joint projects. In his opinion, the expansion of the Union is also in Russia's interests, as it will simplify logistics and strengthen the supply of fuel, metals, equipment, timber, and IT solutions.
The Uzbek authorities have previously given a positive assessment of the format of cooperation with the Union. In particular, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that in four years of cooperation with the EAEU, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover with the Union countries had doubled, and he called the EAEU states themselves strategic and natural partners.
It should be recalled that Uzbekistan has been an observer state to the EAEU since December 2020. This is seen as an intermediate stage on the path to possible full membership.
