BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. A Turkmen-Uzbek
business forum has been held in Ashgabat to discuss expanding
bilateral economic cooperation.
The event took place at the Conference Hall of the Chamber of
Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, according to a press release
issued by the Turkmen government on July 28.
“The central event of the forum was a session dedicated to the
prospects for developing long-term partnership in the construction
and industrial sectors,” the press service said in the press
release.
According to the press service, representatives of relevant
ministries, government agencies, and leading manufacturing
enterprises from both countries discussed practical steps to
implement joint projects, introduce modern technologies, and
exchange experience in the production of construction materials and
industrial equipment.
The forum brought together officials and business
representatives from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as part of ongoing
efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment
cooperation.
For reference, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have significantly
intensified bilateral cooperation this year, with a particular
focus on trade, transport, industry, and border infrastructure.
Bilateral trade reached $357.5 million in the first quarter of 2026
after totaling $1.2 billion in 2025, while both governments have
set a goal of further expanding commercial and investment ties.
In May, the two countries held the 19th meeting of the Joint
Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural
Cooperation in Ashgabat. The discussions focused on energy,
transport and logistics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and
industrial cooperation, while the parties also reviewed the
implementation of previously reached agreements.
Cooperation has gained further momentum in recent weeks. In
mid-July, the foreign ministers of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met
in Ashgabat to review joint projects in trade, transport,
logistics, energy, and industry. Later in the month, the
Turkmenbashi International Seaport launched pilot cargo transit
operations under the electronic eTIR system on the
Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan route, aimed at streamlining
cross-border freight transport and customs procedures.
