The initiative to establish joint trade zones across the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region, promoted by Turkmenistan, has taken a further step forward. According to materials released following a recent visit by the ECO Secretary General to Iran’s Golestan Province, a site has been designated for the proposed Joint Trade Zone (JTZ), while discussions are underway on its operationalization.
At the end of August 2026, meetings and talks were held during the working visit of ECO Secretary General Asad M. Khan and the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Iran to Golestan Province. The discussions focused on the further implementation of the initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reported.
The proposed JTZ is expected to contribute to expanding trade between the border regions, increasing transit flows, attracting investment and strengthening economic ties across the ECO region.
According to an ECO press release, the Incheh Borun Free Trade and Industrial Zone in Iran, located in close proximity to the border with Turkmenistan, has been designated as the host site for the JTZ.
During his visit to the Incheh Borun border crossing, the ECO Secretary General was briefed on ongoing logistics projects and the state of railway and road infrastructure in the area.
Asad M. Khan said the JTZ initiative could serve as a model for other border regions of ECO member states. He noted that the project is in line with the organization’s priorities of strengthening regional connectivity, expanding intra-regional trade and advancing economic integration.
The ECO Secretary General also held talks with Malek Hosseini, Managing Director of the Incheh Borun Free Trade and Industrial Zone, and met with business representatives from Gonbad-e Kavus engaged in trade with Turkmenistan and other ECO member states.
The discussions focused on trade facilitation, infrastructure development, private-sector engagement and concrete measures to accelerate the operationalization of the JTZ.