On November 21, the II Turkmen-Uzbek Interregional Forum took place as part of the second day of the national exhibition of Uzbek goods. The event brought together heads of trade and financial institutions, regional administrations, and private sector representatives from both countries.
As the speakers from the Turkmen side noted, the organization of such events, which have already become traditional, testifies to the inviolability of the bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples. In this regard, the intensification of interregional cooperation is among the priorities. To foster stronger ties, the First Interregional Forum was held in Bukhara in 2022, followed by an exhibition of Turkmen goods in Tashkent in July 2023.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been actively collaborating in various sectors, including agriculture, chemicals, textiles, food processing, construction materials, transportation, logistics, and tourism.
Joint Trading Houses have been opened in Ashgabat and Tashkent, and, in addition, the construction of a border Turkmen–Uzbek Trade center continues at the Dashoguz-Shavat checkpoint, which will facilitate trade operations, enhance socio-cultural interaction and have a positive impact on the dynamics of regional economic growth.
The expansion of cross-border trade is expected to stimulate the development of adjacent territories in both countries.
Investments in new infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, warehouses, and other facilities, are strengthening the economies of Turkmenistan’s Lebap and Dashoguz provinces, as well as Uzbekistan’s Bukhara and Khorezm regions.
The participants from the Uzbek side stressed the importance of the current forum and the national exhibition of goods of the Republic of Uzbekistan in establishing productive ties between the business circles of the two countries and discussing promising areas of partnership.
The benefits provided to businessmen of both countries have a significant positive effect on the quality of interregional partnership. In this regard, the Uzbek side expressed its readiness to increase the volume of trade.
Within the framework of the forum, meetings were also held between representatives of both countries, during which issues of expanding cross-border trade, economic, trade and investment cooperation, and the implementation of joint projects were discussed.
Turkmen and Uzbek businesses expand partnership
Uzawtosanoat JSC actively participated in the II Turkmen-Uzbek Interregional Forum, showcasing a diverse range of automotive products. The exhibition featured passenger cars, electric vehicles, minibuses, and specialized vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.
Uzawtosanoat representatives held discussions with Turkmen partners to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in the supply of automotive equipment and components.
A significant milestone was achieved during the forum with the signing of an agreement between Uzawtosanoat and the State Concern “Turkmenhimiýa.” This agreement outlines a joint project for the development, design, and construction of a bromine and iodine mining enterprise in Turkmenistan, with Uzbekistan providing the necessary investments.
The Uzpromstroymaterials Association showcased a wide range of products from various industrial companies, including alkopones, pipes, composite panels, mixers, gas blocks, wallpaper, and other construction materials. The association expressed optimism about finding a market for these products in Turkmenistan.
Turkmen businesses showed keen interest in Uzbek construction materials. During the forum, representatives from both countries held productive negotiations to explore potential partnerships and discuss supply arrangements.
UzAuto-AUSTEM’s participation in the forum showcased the potential of the Uzbek automotive industry to Turkmen businesses and residents of Turkmenabat. The company presented a range of products, including car chassis, discs, buffers, and other spare parts.
Mansurbek Mamadaliyev, Head of Marketing and Sales at UzAuto-AUSTEM, emphasized the competitiveness and affordability of Uzbek cars compared to foreign alternatives.