Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan have agreed to launch a unified regional brand, "Made in Central Asia", and to increase mutual trade volume to $20 billion, according to gazeta.uz. These initiatives were central topics at the first meeting of the region’s ministers of trade and investment, held Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, on November 13.

The proposal to double regional trade was put forward by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov. He noted that the potential for economic exchange remains high due to the complementary nature of the countries’ economies and growing interest in joint projects.

“We propose developing a joint action plan to raise mutual trade to $20 billion, including harmonizing customs procedures, implementing digital document systems, recognizing permits, and establishing a single-window approach,” Kudratov stated.

According to Uzbek data, regional trade has doubled from 2017 to 2024, reaching $11 billion. Kudratov’s plan also includes the creation of a unified digital producer catalog and integration of government and chamber of commerce digital platforms to streamline business connections and reduce transaction costs.

A key milestone in promoting the regional brand will be the Central Asia and Azerbaijan Investment Forum, planned for 2026 in Samarkand. The forum will serve as a platform to officially launch the "Made in Central Asia" label, aimed at boosting the visibility of regional products on international markets.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliev, called for a shift from the “buy-and-sell” model to “invest-produce-sell.” He announced a forthcoming industrial cooperation program with Uzbekistan, which could be expanded to include other Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

Tajikistan’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Zavqi Zavqizoda, highlighted the importance of digitalization, citing Tajik startups Zypl.ai and Alif as successful regional examples in AI and fintech, respectively.

Turkmenistan’s Minister Nazar Agakhanov expressed support for simplifying trade procedures and developing digital platforms, calling these “key steps toward shared goals,” and confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to join a new regional working group.

Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Duishonkul Chotonov, emphasized the strategic importance of the meeting as a platform for joint decision-making that will shape the future of regional economies and improve people’s welfare.

Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Economy, Elnour Aliyev, reported a 58% increase in trade with Central Asian countries over the past nine months, surpassing $1 billion. He stressed the need to expand transport infrastructure and investment-logistics hubs to support joint ventures.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint communiqué outlining the participants' commitment to deepen economic cooperation, promote joint production, and develop new investment tools.