Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan may create joint economic zones
By Kamila Aliyeva
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan might create joint economic zones in future to boost interregional cooperation.
Kazakh-Uzbek business forum, organized by the National Company "KAZAKH INVEST" jointly with Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the assistance of Kazakh Embassy, kicked off in Uzbek capital on October 19.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Tashkent Yerik Utembayev, who delivered a welcoming speech at the event, provided the forum participants with detailed information about the developing economic ties between the two countries and proposed to strengthen them through creating joint economic zones.
"I would like to see that in the near future we started working to create our joint economic zones. One of such opportunities is working with border regions. Just recently, during the visit of Kazakh President to Uzbekistan, we signed an agreement with all the border regions of Uzbekistan. The next step should be creating joint economic and industrial zones. In this respect, the Uzbekistan has a lot of experience. At the same time, it will be significant if the implementation of joint economic zones begins in South Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda, Aktobe and Mangystau directions. This makes it possible to realize not only transit and economic and investment potential, but also the development of the whole regional cooperation," he said.
In addition, Kazakh envoy noted the importance of the task set by the leaders of the two countries in bringing the trade turnover up to $5 billion.
One of the key roles in this process is the organization of similar business forums in the B2B format (Business to Business), according to Utembayev.
"There is a big task, set by the heads of the two countries, to hold the first, large interregional forum between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan next year,” he added.
As part of the Kazakh delegation, 32 manufacturers of industrial, chemical, automotive, food and military products held talks with wholesale and purchasing companies and distributors of Uzbekistan on the possible supply of goods to the country.
Meanwhile, contracts for the supply of transformer equipment worth $6 million, fiberglass pipes worth $6 million as well as plastic and aluminum profiles in the amount of 1,000 tons have been signed within the framework of this event.
To date, this is the fourth such event, held by KAZAKH INVEST in Tashkent. Based on the results of past trade missions, with the participation of more than 60 companies, contracts worth more than $40 million were signed.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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