First Meeting of Central Asian and Azerbaijani Trade Council Held in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 13 November 2025, Tashkent hosted the inaugural meeting of the Council of Ministers of Trade and Investment of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, organized by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event marked a significant step toward strengthening practical cooperation among regional countries in the areas of trade, investment, and industrial collaboration, as well as advancing joint initiatives aimed at expanding mutual trade and establishing cooperative production facilities.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from across the region: Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan; Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan; Zavki Zavkizoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan; Nazar Agahanov, Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan; Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan; and Duishonkul Chotonov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan.

Discussions focused on measures to enhance regional trade and industrial integration, including the creation of operational tools to boost intra-regional trade to US$20 billion, the establishment of joint industrial platforms under the “Made in Central Asia” brand, and the engagement of international financial institutions and major investors in infrastructure and industrial projects.

It was noted that trade among Central Asian nations has shown steady growth: from US$3.2 billion in 2017 to over US$6.9 billion by 2024. Key bilateral trade figures included nearly US$4 billion with Kazakhstan, around US$700 million with Kyrgyzstan, over US$570 million with Tajikistan, and US$1.15 billion with Turkmenistan. Trade with Azerbaijan also grew by 13% since the beginning of the year.

Participants highlighted the need to streamline customs and border procedures, harmonize transport and logistics infrastructure, develop industrial hubs, and jointly utilize raw material and technological potential.

Special attention was given to developing exports of high value-added products and deepening industrial cooperation.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint communiqué outlining key agreements to strengthen economic cooperation, industrial partnerships, and investment mechanisms.

The session took place in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere, reaffirming the shared commitment of Central Asian countries to promote partnership and position the region as a dynamically growing hub of industrial and investment development.