Photo: oilgas.gov.tm
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have officially implemented a free trade regime, the press service of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade (MIIT) announced.
As of February 25, customs duties on most goods produced in both countries have been eliminated, trade restrictions lifted, and procedures simplified. Notably, Turkmenistan has removed import duties on cement (previously 100%), textiles (50%), furniture (50%), glassware (50%), water heaters (15%), plastic and polypropylene products (10%), sausages and meat products ($2 per kg), and cottonseed oil ($1 per kg).
According to the MIIT, the duty-free trade regime is expected to boost trade volume and strengthen investment cooperation between the two nations.
In 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reached $1.14 billion, marking a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
Previously, the two countries expressed their intention to establish a free trade zone (FTZ) in the Shavat district of Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region. The governments signed an agreement on the FTZ’s creation on October 5, 2021, and in July 2022, the presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reaffirmed their commitment, agreeing to open trade houses in Tashkent and Ashgabat. In October of the same year, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Khorezm–Dashoguz cross-border trade zone.
The FTZ is set to operate for 30 years with an option for extension. It will allow the sale of goods exclusively produced in the two countries under a «free customs zone» regime. Entry will be managed through designated checkpoints, and Turkmen citizens, as well as foreign visitors to Uzbekistan, will be permitted to stay in the zone visa-free for up to 15 days.
