Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Launch “Shavat–Dashoguz” Border Trade Zone, Expanding Regional Economic Ties

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov have taken part in the official launch of the new Shavat-Dashoguz Border Trade Zone.

The modern complex includes administrative offices, customs, quarantine, phytosanitary and veterinary services, a trade pavilion, and warehouse facilities, The Caspian Post reports via Turkmen media.

Visitors and businesses will be able to access a full range of government services through a “one-stop shop,” along with banking, medical, and hotel services, plus a large parking area.

According to officials, the new zone is set to boost trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region and Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz province - two key border regions with a combined population of more than 3.5 million people.

Following bilateral talks, both countries also agreed to jointly develop the Turkmenbashi port and restore direct flights between their capitals.

Mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has doubled in recent years, surpassing $1 billion. The two sides now aim to raise this figure to $2 billion by expanding the range of traded goods and making full use of free-trade mechanisms.