Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan finalize plans for cross-border trade zone

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to launch a cross-border trade zone in the near future, according to the press service of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MIIT).

On August 5–6, during the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza, Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov held meetings with Turkmen Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Nazar Aghakhanov and Minister of Industry and Construction Production Toyguly Nurov.

The parties discussed strengthening trade, economic, and transport-logistics cooperation, expanding industrial collaboration, and implementing joint projects in priority sectors.

Specifically, the two sides agreed to sign a treaty on the operation of a cross-border trade zone (between Shavat, Khorezm region, and Dashoguz, Dashoguz velayat) and to launch it in the near future.

They also reached an agreement to approve a joint action plan aimed at increasing bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion.

The MIIT also reached an agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on a medium-term partnership program that will include initiatives in industry, infrastructure modernization, energy-efficient technologies, and human capital development, with the involvement of international expertise.

In addition, Uzbekistan held talks with the UN Economic Commission for Europe on expanding cooperation under the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), with plans for joint projects in green economy, innovation, logistics, smart agriculture, and other sectors.

Construction of the trade zone at the Shavat – Dashoguz border crossing began in October 2022. Ahead of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Uzbekistan, a protocol was signed outlining the creation and operational framework of the zone.

In February 2024, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution to establish the Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan free trade zone. Citizens of both countries will be allowed to stay in the zone without a visa for up to 15 days.