The first meeting of trade and investment ministers from Central Asian countries, joined by Azerbaijan, has taken place in Tashkent, where participants agreed to nearly double mutual trade to $20 billion and discussed launching a regional brand, Made in Central Asia.

Opening the session, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, highlighted the substantial potential for increased trade due to the complementarity of regional economies and growing business interest in joint initiatives

According to Uzbek data, intra-regional trade doubled between 2017 and 2024, reaching approximately $11 billion.

Kudratov proposed developing an action plan to raise trade turnover to $20 billion. The proposed strategy includes harmonizing customs procedures, implementing digital document management, mutually recognizing permits, and developing “single window” systems at borders. Additional measures under discussion include creating a regional electronic catalog of goods and producers and integrating the digital platforms of chambers of commerce, industry, and export agencies.

Uzbekistan also proposed hosting the Central Asia and Azerbaijan Investment Forum in Samarkand in 2026, positioning it as a platform to launch the Made in Central Asia brand.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliev, urged countries to shift from a “buy-sell” model to an “invest-produce-sell” approach. He noted that Kazakhstan is entering a new investment cycle aimed at building export-oriented industries and sustainable value chains.

Shakkaliev added that the upcoming industrial cooperation development program with Uzbekistan could be expanded to other Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan. Kazakhstan also supported the common branding initiative and proposed a pilot project using digital trading platforms.

Tajikistan’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Zavki Zavkizoda, underscored the importance of digital technologies and cited examples of regional companies operating at an international level.

Nazar Agakhanov, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, stressed that simplifying trade procedures and developing electronic platforms are essential to meeting shared goals. Ashgabat expressed its readiness to join the working group to be established following the meeting.

Kyrgyzstan was represented by its ambassador to Uzbekistan, Duishonkul Chotonov, who noted that Bishkek views the format as a platform for collective decisions that advance regional economic development.

Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Economy, Elnur Aliyev, reported that trade with Central Asian states grew by 58% in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing $1 billion. He said Azerbaijan is prepared to expand its transport infrastructure through new logistics hubs and the promotion of joint ventures.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint communiqué expressing intentions to deepen economic ties, establish joint ventures, and develop new instruments for investment cooperation.

The seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia will be held in Tashkent on November 15-16. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is also expected to attend.