Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan: regional proximity, mutual trust and cooperation

Today, the process of mutual integration and sustainable development of the Central Asian republics has entered a new stage. The changes taking place in Uzbekistan in recent years have contributed to the development of the entire region and the strengthening of mutual trust between countries, which, in turn, is reflected in the lives of the peoples living in this region.

The reaching a new level of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is especially noticeable. Today, Turkmenistan is an important partner of Uzbekistan in trade and economics, transport and logistics, energy and water resource management, as well as in many other areas.

From 2017 to 2024, trade and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have steadily expanded. As a result, Turkmenistan's exports to Uzbekistan increased from US$177.9 million in 2017 to US$1.148 billion by the end of 2024. Imports from Uzbekistan over the same period increased from US$53.2 million to US$133.9 million. These indicators demonstrate a stable increase in trade volumes between the two countries.

Mineral fuels and petroleum products occupy the main place in the structure of Turkmenistan’s exports to Uzbekistan. In 2024, these goods accounted for 95.8% of total exports, almost the entire volume of the export structure.

The structure of Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkmenistan is relatively diversified, with a predominance of industrial and chemical products. According to the data, in 2024 the share of fertilizers amounted to 17.7%, becoming one of the main positions in Turkmen imports.

To ensure high performance in these parameters, both countries have sufficient untapped potential. In particular, the expansion of transport and logistics cooperation through the organization of experimental transportation along international transport routes using seaports is important. To maintain the positive dynamics of mutual trade and double its volume in the coming years, it is necessary to effectively use transport and logistics potential.

To achieve these goals, a free trade regime has been introduced between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan since February 25 of this year. This regime provides for the abolition of customs duties on many goods produced in both countries, the elimination of restrictions in bilateral trade and the simplification of trade procedures.

In order to further develop mutual trade and economic relations, on November 17 of this year in Tashkent, following a meeting of the leaders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, a border trade zone was opened between the Shavot district of the Khorezm region and the Dashoguz region Turkmenistan.

In the future, one of the key factors in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will be the transport and logistics sector. Therefore, at a high level, special attention is paid to creating favorable conditions for the effective use of transit potential, including the provision of mutual benefits and discounts on cargo transportation. Effective use of transit potential will allow for the active development of transport routes in the East-West and North-South directions, including using the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi port, which contributes to the achievement of mutually beneficial goals.

To summarize, it can be noted that the strengthening of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the development of new areas of regional relations, the development and implementation of promising projects serve the interests of the peoples of both countries.

Nodirbek Rasulov,

Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Research

Project leader, Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor