The First Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Trade and Investment of Central Asian Countries Held in Tashkent

The event was aimed at strengthening practical cooperation among the countries of the region in trade, investment, and industrial collaboration, as well as advancing joint initiatives to expand mutual trade and establish cooperative production facilities. The meeting marked an important step toward institutionalizing regional economic dialogue and developing effective mechanisms for partnership.

The meeting was attended by Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Arman Shakkaliev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Zavki Zavkizoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan; Nazar Agahanov, Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan; Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Duishonkul Chotonov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

During the session, the ministers discussed a comprehensive set of measures aimed at fostering mutual trade and enhancing industrial integration. Special emphasis was placed on developing practical tools to increase regional trade turnover to USD 20 billion, establishing joint production platforms under the “Made in Central Asia” brand, and attracting international financial institutions and major investors to participate in shared industrial and infrastructure projects.

It was noted that mutual trade between Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia continues to demonstrate steady growth. While in 2017 the trade turnover amounted to USD 3.2 billion, by 2024 it had more than doubled, reaching USD 6.9 billion. In particular, trade with Kazakhstan is approaching USD 4 billion; with Kyrgyzstan it stands at nearly USD 700 million; with Tajikistan it has exceeded USD 570 million; and with Turkmenistan it has more than doubled over the past five years, reaching USD 1.15 billion. Trade with Azerbaijan has also shown notable growth, increasing by 13% since the beginning of the year.

The participants underscored the importance of further streamlining customs and border procedures, synchronizing transport and logistics infrastructure, and establishing industrial hubs capable of integrating the production value chains of regional economies. Particular attention was given to industrial cooperation, joint development of raw material and technological capacities, and expanding exports of high value-added finished goods.

Following the meeting, a joint communiqué was signed, outlining key agreements on deepening economic cooperation, advancing industrial collaboration and joint manufacturing, and creating new mechanisms for investment partnership.

The event took place in a constructive and business-focused atmosphere, reaffirming the commitment of Central Asian countries to strengthening partnership and promoting the region as one of the most dynamic industrial and investment hubs.