BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. Uzbekistan is
stepping up preparations for the launch of the Jartepa Free Trade
Zone in the Samarkand region, with a focus on developing
cross-border trade infrastructure, streamlining customs procedures,
and supporting exporters.
According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and
Trade, Deputy Minister Ibrokhim Ergashev visited the region on
October 23–24 to assess progress on the project in the Urgut
district and meet with local officials and entrepreneurs to discuss
export development.
The discussions covered the development of trade and logistics
infrastructure, the organization of customs controls, the
construction of access roads, and the simplification of
border-crossing procedures with neighboring Tajikistan.
A video conference involving representatives of Tajikistan’s
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the administration
of Panjakent focused on conditions for cross-border trade and
further steps toward launching the free trade zone.
During the visit, Ergashev also held an open dialogue with more
than 50 regional exporters. Officials reviewed more than 30 issues
and requests concerning logistics, customs procedures, financing
and certification, resolving some of them during the meetings.
Following the visit, officials assigned responsibilities, set
deadlines and outlined specific measures to accelerate the launch
of the Jartepa Free Trade Zone, remove trade barriers and support
exporters.
The project aims to facilitate cross-border trade between
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan by improving trade infrastructure and
simplifying procedures for businesses operating in the border
region.
However, the ministry did not specify when the zone would open
or provide details on its planned capacity or investment
requirements.
