Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have signed commercial agreements worth more than 80 billion tenge (around $150 million) during the inaugural meeting of the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Council of Heads of Regions in Aktau, marking a major step toward deeper economic integration and a shared goal of boosting bilateral trade to $10 billion.

The landmark meeting brought together Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, regional leaders, and more than 300 business representatives from both countries, The Caspian Post reports via primeminister.kz.

The newly established Council of Heads of Regions was created by the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to strengthen direct cooperation between neighboring regions, encourage investment, and accelerate cross-border development.

"We attach particular importance to the comprehensive development of our strategic partnership with fraternal Uzbekistan," Bektenov said, adding that stronger regional cooperation would help achieve the leaders' target of increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion.

Aripov described Kazakhstan as Uzbekistan's "reliable strategic partner and ally," saying that direct cooperation between regional governments would give fresh momentum to bilateral relations.

Focus on Transport, Trade and Investment

The two sides emphasized the importance of expanding transport and logistics infrastructure, pointing to their strategic location along key Eurasian trade routes.

Officials highlighted the growing role of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which is increasingly integrated with the North-South Transport Corridor and the Trans-Afghan Corridor, strengthening Central Asia's connectivity with global markets.

Kazakhstan also underscored the need to launch the Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation, which is expected to host joint manufacturing and industrial projects benefiting both countries.

Last year, cargo handled through Kazakhstan's Aktau and Kuryk seaports reached 8 million tons. During the first half of this year, container traffic through Kazakhstan's ports rose by 5%, surpassing 50,000 TEUs, reflecting growing regional trade flows.

Tourism and Regional Cooperation Expand

The meeting also highlighted rising interest in tourism, with both countries seeking to promote travel between their historic and cultural destinations.

Regional governors from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan presented new cooperation initiatives covering trade, investment, infrastructure, tourism, and industrial development.

The event concluded with the signing of memorandums between regional administrations and commercial agreements exceeding 80 billion tenge, laying the groundwork for new cross-border projects, stronger city-to-city partnerships, and sustainable economic growth across Central Asia.

The meeting followed the 23rd session of the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, also held in Aktau, underscoring the accelerating pace of strategic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.