Kazakhstan’s Proposal: Duty-Free Trade Zone on Uzbekistan Border
Governor Nurdaulet Kilibai Proposes Duty-Free Special Trade Zone on Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Border to Boost Bilateral Trade
The governor of Mangistau region, Nurdaulet Kilibai, has put forth a groundbreaking proposal to establish a duty-free special trade zone at the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the volume of bilateral trade between the two neighboring countries.
The proposal was presented during the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Interregional Government Forum in Samarkand on October 22. Kilibai outlined a series of initiatives geared towards bolstering trade and economic relations between Mangistau Region and Uzbekistan. The regional government’s press service reported that a new road linking Mangistau to Uzbekistan is currently under construction, which is poised to streamline trade activities between the two regions.
The road will be connected to the “Tazhen” customs checkpoint on the Kazakh side, while Uzbekistan has already completed the construction of a new highway linking Karakalpakstan’s center to the border. This infrastructural development is anticipated to substantially boost the exchange of goods between Mangistau and Uzbekistan.
Kilibai highlighted that a significant portion of food products, including fruits, vegetables, and dried goods, sold in Mangistau’s wholesale markets are sourced from various regions in Uzbekistan, such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Nukus, and Syrdarya. He noted that approximately 250-300 trucks pass through the “Tazhen” checkpoint daily, with around 25-30 heading to Mangistau and transporting nearly 11,000 tons of products.
During the forum, representatives from the region’s largest wholesale distribution center, “ORC Aktau,” were also in attendance. Kilibai announced that “ORC Aktau” is fully prepared to provide trade spaces and is awaiting concrete actions from Uzbek entrepreneurs to establish a trading platform showcasing “Made in Uzbekistan” products for agricultural fairs.
In addition to the proposed duty-free trade zone named “Khorgos” on the border, inspired by a successful Chinese model, Kilibai also discussed potential collaborations in tourism and agriculture. A tour package highlighting the historical, cultural, and tourist attractions of Mangistau for Uzbek travel operators is set to be launched in 2025.
Following the conclusion of the forum, cooperation agreements were signed between the Mangistau regional government and Karakalpakstan, as well as between the districts of Beineu and Khojeyli.
As of 2023, Mangistau Region is home to 140 Uzbek-affiliated companies. In the same year, the region’s foreign trade with Uzbekistan amounted to $13.2 million, with imports from Uzbekistan constituting approximately 25% of the total trade volume.
Overall, Governor Kilibai’s proposed initiatives and collaborations hold great promise for fostering stronger economic ties and enhancing trade between Mangistau and Uzbekistan.
