Central Asian states agree to build joint “Made in Central Asia” industrial brand

The main goal of the meeting was to strengthen practical cooperation among regional states in trade, investment and industrial collaboration, increase the volume of mutual trade and advance joint initiatives aimed at creating cooperative manufacturing. The event was described as an important step toward institutionalizing regional economic dialogue.

The discussion brought together Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s minister of investment, industry and trade; Arman Shakkaliev, Kazakhstan’s minister of trade and integration; Zavqi Zavqizoda, Tajikistan’s minister of economic development and trade; Nazar Agahanov, Turkmenistan’s minister of trade and foreign economic relations; Elnur Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s first deputy minister of economy; and Duishonkul Chotonov, Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, senior officials responsible for trade and investment from Central Asian countries discussed a comprehensive set of measures aimed at expanding mutual trade and deepening industrial integration.

Particular attention was given to:

• developing effective mechanisms to increase mutual trade turnover to $20 billion;

• establishing joint production sites under the Made in Central Asia brand;

• attracting international financial institutions and major investors to infrastructure and industrial projects.

It was noted that Uzbekistan’s trade with Central Asian states has demonstrated stable growth in recent years.

While the trade turnover amounted to $3.2 billion in 2017, the figure more than doubled to $6.9 billion by 2024.

This includes:

• trade with Kazakhstan approaching $4 billion;

• with Kyrgyzstan – around $700 million;

• with Tajikistan – exceeding $570 million;

• with Turkmenistan – more than doubling over the past five years to reach $1.15 billion;

• and with Azerbaijan – growing by 13 percent since the beginning of the year.

The meeting also underscored the need to further streamline customs and border procedures, harmonize transport and logistics infrastructure, and establish industrial hubs capable of integrating regional production chains.

Participants reviewed proposals and initiatives related to strengthening industrial cooperation, jointly developing raw materials and technological capacities, and expanding exports of high value-added finished products.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the sides signed a joint communiqué outlining key agreements aimed at deepening economic cooperation, developing industrial partnerships and joint production, and introducing new mechanisms for investment collaboration.

The event, held in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere, reaffirmed the readiness of Central Asian countries to advance together as one of the most dynamically developing regions in the fields of industry and investment.