Potential Creation of Duty-Free Trade Zone on Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Border
A duty-free trade zone may be created on the Kazakh-Uzbek border, as proposed by Nurdaulet Kilybay, the head of Mangistau region. This proposal was made during the joint interregional forum of the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, held in Samarkand, where discussions on expanding trade and economic ties took place.
The construction of a highway connecting Mangistau region and the Republic of Uzbekistan is currently underway, with plans to open automobile communication to Tazhen customs post in Kazakhstan. This new highway will enhance trade routes between the two regions, as a similar highway from Karakalpakstan to the Uzbek border was recently completed.
Nurdaulet Kilybay emphasized that a significant amount of food products, vegetables, fruits, and dried fruits in the wholesale markets of Mangistau region originate from Bukhara, Samarkand, Nukus, and Syrdarya in Uzbekistan. About 250-300 trucks pass through Tazhen customs post daily, with a notable portion destined for Mangistau region amounting to approximately 11,000 tons of products.
These developments aim to boost economic cooperation and facilitate trade activities between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, fostering stronger ties and mutual benefits for both regions.
