Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) agreed to revive systematic cooperation in the industrial sector and strengthen collaboration in investment, technology and production. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade said.
The fourth Meeting of Ministers of Industry of ECO member states was held in Dushanbe on 23 September. Uzbekistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Khurram Teshabaev.
The meeting was also attended by heads of relevant agencies from ECO countries, the ECO secretary-general, as well as representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and UNIDO.
The meeting was the first gathering of ECO industry ministers in 20 years.
The resumption of the format is aimed at moving toward more practical cooperation among member states, with a focus on joint projects, investment, technology exchange and the development of production ties.
According to the Uzbek side, economic ties within ECO continue to expand. In 2025, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with ECO countries exceeded US$14.3 billion. In January-July 2026, the figure increased by 20.7% to US$8.9 billion.
Investments from ECO countries into Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded US$5.1 billion in 2025 and amounted to US$4.7 billion in the first seven months of 2026. Business participation is also expanding. More than 1,000 new enterprises with capital from ECO countries have been established in Uzbekistan this year, bringing the total number of such enterprises to nearly 7,000.
Uzbekistan proposed accelerating the adoption of the long-term ECO-Invest program. The initiative provides for attracting private capital, banks and international financial institutions to promising projects, increasing long-term financing for industry and developing regional value chains.
Following the meeting, participants adopted the Dushanbe Declaration on reviving regional industrial cooperation.
The document provides for the development of an ECO Regional Strategy, the introduction of artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing technologies, the digitalization of industry and the development of Industry 4.0 solutions.
Particular attention was given to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, technology transfer and attracting international financial institutions.
To further develop cooperation, ECO countries agreed to hold meetings of industry ministers at least once every two years.
