Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is on an official visit to the neighboring country, have launched the joint cross-border trade zone “Shavat–Dashoguz.” The opening ceremony followed their high-level talks, the Uzbek leader’s press service reported.
The new zone includes administrative buildings for the directorate as well as customs, quarantine, phytosanitary, and veterinary services, along with a commercial pavilion, storage facilities, a large parking area, a medical point, and a hotel.
The site is also equipped to provide government services based on a “one-stop shop” model. Entrepreneurs and customers will be able to use interactive systems, including banking services.
According to officials, the zone will help boost trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region and Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz province — two border regions with a combined population of more than 3.5 million.
During the talks, Mirziyoyev and Berdimuhamedov confirmed plans to continue the project by creating a similar cross-border trade zone in another area — “Alat–Farab.”
Both sides highlighted the positive momentum in economic ties. In recent years, bilateral trade has doubled, surpassing $1 billion. Officials noted that the figure could reach $2 billion through diversifying trade and making more effective use of the free trade regime.
Industrial cooperation was also discussed, with an emphasis on encouraging businesses to launch new joint projects in the production of construction materials, pharmaceuticals, food products, and other goods in demand on the market.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have built an effective, mutually beneficial partnership in the energy sector. The presidents agreed to pursue larger-scale initiatives, including joint development of promising mineral deposits.
Transport issues received special attention. Both leaders noted the growing volume of cargo shipments and the simplification of customs and logistics procedures. They also agreed to develop the port of Turkmenbashi and resume direct flights between Tashkent and Ashgabat.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation has also been expanding — including Turkmenistan Culture Days held in Urgench and Tashkent and screenings of Turkmen films. To continue this exchange, the sides agreed to hold regular concerts and theater tours, organize a Youth Forum in Khiva, and expand joint film production. Contacts in health care and medical technology will also be strengthened.
The two presidents agreed that before the end of this year, the next meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council will take place. To implement the initiatives agreed upon during the talks, they will draft a “road map,” outlining concrete steps to deepen cooperation between the neighboring states.
Following the meeting, Mirziyoyev and Berdimuhamedov signed a Joint Statement.
Several documents were also exchanged in the presence of the two leaders, including:
✔️ an agreement on the operation of the Uzbek-Turkmen Cross-Border Trade Zone;
✔️ an agreement on cooperation in health care and medical science;
✔️ an agreement on further developing cooperation in agriculture;
✔️ a memorandum on cooperation in the supply of railway tank cars for transporting petroleum products and liquid chemical cargoes.
