Republic of Moldova and Uzbekistan have established the quota of road transport permits for 2026 and expanded economic cooperation

The Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Uzbekistan have established the quota of permits for international road transport of goods for 2026 during the meeting of the Moldova–Uzbekistan Joint Commission, held in Chișinău on September 1–2, 2025.

A total of 300 permits were confirmed for bilateral and transit transport and 60 permits for transport to/from third countries.

According to a press release from the National Agency for Road Transport (ANTA), the discussions also included road fees applied upon entry into Uzbekistan. The Uzbek side expressed willingness to reduce these fees for Moldovan carriers, aiming to facilitate trade exchanges and create more competitive conditions for operators in both countries.

Initiation of a new bilateral agreement and regulatory modernization

Both delegations agreed to start negotiations for drafting and signing a new intergovernmental bilateral agreement, aimed at liberalizing international road transport of goods in bilateral and transit regimes, as well as eliminating road fees. The goal of this agreement is to create a fair and modern competitive framework for economic operators from Moldova and Uzbekistan.

Additionally, the Uzbek side presented the procedure for requesting and issuing special permits for transporting goods with vehicles exceeding the weight and size limits provided by national legislation. These permits are issued electronically through the information system of the Committee for Roads under the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan: uzavtoyul.uz.

Bilateral economic relations and development prospects

Economic relations between Moldova and Uzbekistan are based on solid and diversified trade. Uzbek exports mainly include textile and agro-food products, while Moldovan exports consist of pharmaceutical and vegetable products. Institutional cooperation covers areas such as standardization and agriculture, promoting technical harmonization and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.

Participation of both countries in regional agreements, such as the CIS FTA and services liberalization, provides a legal framework favorable for expanding economic cooperation and diversifying trade flows.

In the first half of 2025, bilateral trade increased by 28.7% compared to the same period last year, highlighting the positive dynamics of economic relations.

Trade flows in 2024

In 2024, Moldova’s exports to Uzbekistan totaled approximately USD 4.78 million, with the main product categories as follows:

• Pharmaceutical products – USD 1.88 million

• Edible fruits – USD 1.40 million

• Food preparations – USD 483,000

• Footwear – USD 404,000

Moldova’s imports from Uzbekistan reached about USD 11.9 million, with the main products being:

• Knitted textiles – USD 3.82 million

• Assorted textile articles and used clothing – USD 2.31 million

• Edible vegetables and roots – USD 2.08 million

This evolution underlines the strategic importance of Moldova–Uzbekistan trade relations and the development potential in key sectors of both economies.