Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Ferghana, Sughd and Batken regions of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan respectively plan to expand direct cooperation in trade, investment, industrial cooperation, agriculture and tourism.
New initiatives to develop interregional ties were presented at the Second Ferghana Peace Forum in Tajikistan’s Sughd Region, the press service of the Ferghana Region administration said.
The forum is being held in the city of Guliston, Sughd Region, under the theme “Ferghana Valley: A Space of Peace, Trust and Prosperity.” Participants include Ferghana Region Governor Khairullo Bozorov, Sughd Region Chairman Rajabboy Ahmadzoda, Kyrgyzstan’s Presidential Representative in Batken Region Mamirjan Rakhimov, as well as representatives of the United Nations, European Union, OSCE, International Organization for Migration, experts and specialists.
As part of the forum, Bozorov met with Ahmadzoda. The sides discussed further development of trade, economic and investment ties, industrial cooperation, agriculture and tourism, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The regional leaders noted new opportunities for practical cooperation arising from the development of relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and stronger interaction among the three countries of the Ferghana Valley.
Particular attention was paid to the Khujand Declaration of Eternal Friendship, signed by the leaders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on 31 March 2025. According to forum participants, the agreements reached create conditions for expanding trade, transport links, tourism, cultural exchanges and contacts between residents of border areas.
Bozorov proposed turning the existing level of political and humanitarian interaction into practical economic projects. In particular, he proposed establishing a “Business Dialogue of the Ferghana Valley” for entrepreneurs from the border regions.
The platform would bring together representatives of businesses from the Ferghana, Sughd and Batken regions for regular meetings, the development of cooperation projects and implementation of joint initiatives in trade, industry, agriculture, tourism and services.
The governor also proposed holding an exhibition in February 2027 at the Farg‘ona Ekspo business centre, with the participation of entrepreneurs from the three regions.
According to Bozorov, the previous forum also put forward initiatives to establish a permanent “Central Asian Young Peacebuilders Club” and organize youth camps, cultural festivals and sports competitions in border areas.
Other proposals included supporting digitalization and startups, developing student exchanges, and expanding cooperation in science and education.
The current forum is discussing measures to strengthen peace and stability in the Ferghana Valley, build mutual trust and expand direct contacts between the regions.
Meetings and other events of the Second Ferghana Peace Forum are continuing as part of the Ferghana Region delegation’s visit to Sughd Region.
