On October 22nd, during the joint interregional forum of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan governments held in Samarkand, the governor of Mangystau region, Nurdavlet Kilibay, made several proposals to expand trade and economic relations between Mangystau region and Uzbekistan. This was reported by the regional administration's press service here.
It is noted that a road connecting Mangystau and Uzbekistan is under construction. The car traffic will be carried out up to the "Tazhen" customs post in Kazakhstan territory. Recently, a new road from the center of Karakalpakstan to the border of the country was commissioned. This is expected to increase the volume of trade between Mangystau region and Uzbekistan in the future.
According to Nurdavlet Kilibay, a significant portion of wholesale markets' food products, vegetables, fruits, and dried fruits come from the fields of Bukhara, Samarkand, Nukus, and Syrdarya in Uzbekistan. About 250-300 trucks pass through the "Tazhen" customs post daily, with an average of 25-30 trucks being sent to Mangystau region. This amounts to nearly 11,000 tons of products.
"Our delegation includes the founder of one of the country's largest wholesale distribution centers, ‘ORC Aktau’ LLC. They are fully prepared to provide the necessary trading space and are waiting for the definite steps from Uzbek entrepreneurs. We would like to open a ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ sales area and organize agricultural fairs there," — said Nurdavlet Kilibay.
Also, at the interregional forum, the governor of Mangystau region proposed to organize a special duty-free trade zone named "Khorgos" on the border area to further expand trade relations between the two countries. The opening of the trade and economic zone is expected to increase the volume of trade between Mangystau region and Uzbekistan by four times.
In addition, the meeting discussed cooperation in the fields of tourism and agriculture. For example, it was emphasized that tour packages for Uzbek tour operators, including visits to historical, cultural, and tourist sites in Mangystau region, have been developed and ready to start their activities from 2025.
At the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement on cooperation between the administration of Mangystau region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Beyneu, and Khodjeyli districts was signed.
