Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Set to Launch Cross-Border Trade Zone

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have reached an agreement to launch a new cross-border trade zone in the near future.

The announcement followed high-level talks held in Avaza, Turkmenistan, on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, The Caspian Post reports per Turkmen media.

Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov met with Turkmen Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, Nazar Agahanov, and Minister of Industry and Construction Production, Toyguly Nurov.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening trade, economic, and transport-logistics ties, deepening industrial cooperation, and implementing joint projects in key sectors.

One of the key outcomes was an agreement to sign a treaty on the establishment of a border trade zone linking Shavat (Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan) and Dashoguz (Dashoguz Province, Turkmenistan), with plans to launch the zone in the near future.

Additionally, the parties approved the development of a joint action plan aimed at boosting bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade also reached an agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to adopt a mid-term partnership program, which will include initiatives in industrial development, infrastructure modernization, energy efficiency, and human capital development, with support from international experts.

Talks were also held with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on expanding cooperation under the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Key areas of collaboration include green economy initiatives, innovation, logistics, smart agriculture, and more.

Construction of the trade zone near the Shavat-Dashoguz border crossing began in October 2022. In February 2024, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution to formally establish the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Free Trade Zone. Under the agreement, citizens of both countries will be able to stay within the zone for up to 15 days without a visa.