THE ROLE OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN ENHANCING TRADE FACILITATION AND EXPORT POTENTIAL OF UZBEKISTAN

Digital platforms are reshaping trade facilitation worldwide by streamlining documentary compliance, reducing logistics frictions, and broadening market access for firms—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This article assesses how such platforms can enhance Uzbekistan’s export potential. Drawing on comparative evidence (World Bank Logistics Performance Index, WTO trade outlook), policy documents (UNECE, WCO), and country-specific initiatives (Single Window, Uzbekistan Trade Info, e-phytosanitary certification), we analyze where Uzbekistan stands and what additional gains are feasible. We adopt a comparative-analytical methodology, triangulating international benchmarks with case-based illustrations (e-certificates of origin, e-phyto, B2B marketplaces, and commodity e-trading). Our results indicate tangible progress: the national Single Window and step-by-step trade portal reduce information and compliance costs; the adoption of IPPC ePhyto advances paperless trade; and curated access to major global platforms (e.g., Alibaba) expands commercial reach. Remaining constraints include uneven systems interoperability, gaps in cross-border data exchange, logistics bottlenecks, and SME capabilities. We propose a sequenced reform package: (i) full end-to-end digitization of priority certificates; (ii) interoperability via international standards (UN/CEFACT, WCO Data Model); (iii) targeted SME e-export support; and (iv) data-driven performance management tied to the 2025–2030 national trade facilitation roadmap. These measures can accelerate export diversification and reduce time and cost to trade.