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The akim of the Mangistau region, Nurdaolet Kilybay, proposed the creation of a new special duty-free trade zone on the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border. The zone will operate based on the model of the International Center for Border Cooperation “Khorgos” on the China-Kazakhstan border.
Kilybay put forward this proposal on October 22 at the interregional forum of the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, held in Samarkand.
New Trade Zone
The goal of the project is to create favorable conditions for the growth of mutual trade, which will increase the trade turnover between the Mangistau region and Uzbekistan by four times.
According to Kilybay, one of Kazakhstan’s largest goods distribution companies — “ORC Aktau” LLP — will take part in the project. The company is already prepared to provide the necessary space for organizing trade and cooperation with Uzbek entrepreneurs. Furthermore, a “Made in Uzbekistan” trading platform will be established in this zone, where agricultural fairs will be held, opening new opportunities for suppliers of agricultural products from Uzbekistan.
Infrastructure Development
One of the key factors for the successful functioning of the new zone will be the development of transport infrastructure. Currently, a road is being constructed that will connect the Mangistau region with Uzbekistan and the “Tazhen” customs post on the Kazakh side. Recently, a new road was completed that connects the center of Karakalpakstan with the border. This significant improvement in transport links will facilitate the movement of goods between the countries and increase trade volumes.
According to Kilybay, around 250–300 trucks pass through the “Tazhen” customs post daily, with about 25–30 of these heading to the Mangistau region. This amounts to approximately 11,000 tons of goods, most of which are fruits, vegetables, and dried fruits grown in the fields of Bukhara, Samarkand, Nukus, and Syrdarya.
Joint Development of Agriculture
Nurdaolet Kilybay also highlighted the importance of developing agriculture as one of the priority areas for the Mangistau region. He proposed that Uzbekistan consider the possibility of joint development of greenhouse farms in the Mangistau region. Kazakhstan, in turn, is ready to offer favorable conditions for investors, including subsidies for some costs, low-interest loans, reduced water and fertilizer costs, as well as the provision of necessary infrastructure and land plots.
The creation of a duty-free trade zone on the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border could become a powerful incentive for expanding cooperation between the two countries and significantly increase the flow of goods. The new project envisions not only the development of trade but also new opportunities for agricultural production, ensuring economic growth for both nations and strengthening their positions in the region.
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
