On August 5-6, 2025, in Avaza (Turkmenistan), within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held a number of key bilateral negotiations. The focus is on developing trade and economic ties, expanding industrial cooperation, and coordinating regional projects.
During the visit, the Minister held meetings with a number of high-ranking representatives of Turkmenistan, including the Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Nazar Agakhanov and the Minister of Industry and Construction Production Toyguly Nurov. Prospects for implementing joint programs in the areas of production, logistics and cross-border trade were discussed. One of the main results was the agreement on signing an intergovernmental agreement on the functioning of the Border Trade Zone between Shavat (Khorezm region) and Dashoguz (Dashoguz velayat). It is planned that the new zone will start operating as soon as possible and will become a driver of growth in the border economy.
At the same time, the parties agreed on a plan of joint measures to increase the volume of bilateral trade to two billion US dollars. According to official statistics, the trade turnover between the two countries in 2024 amounted to $ 1.15 billion, and in the first half of 2025 it reached almost $ 500 million, which indicates a stable positive trend.
Within the framework of expanding international cooperation, Laziz Kudratov also held talks with Fatou Haidar, Deputy Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The parties agreed to approve a joint medium-term partnership program covering the areas of infrastructure modernization, introduction of energy-efficient technologies and human capital development based on international expertise.
In addition, a meeting was held with Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe Dmitry Maryasin. The discussion will focus on strengthening cooperation within SPECA (the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia). Of particular interest were the topics of green economy, digital innovation, sustainable logistics and smart agriculture, where Uzbekistan is striving for deeper integration with international initiatives.
The meetings highlight Uzbekistan's commitment to the strategic course of developing economic diplomacy, as well as openness to partnership with regional and global structures for sustainable and balanced growth.
