TURKESTAN, May 12. /Dunyo IA/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Ibragimov, paid a working visit to the Turkestan region, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the trip, diplomats met with the Akim (Governor) of the region, Nuralkhan Kusherov, representatives of the “Atameken” National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, regional business community and compatriots residing in the area.

In talks with the regional leadership, prospects for expanding Uzbek-Kazakh cooperation in the trade, economic, investment, industrial, agricultural and tourism sectors were reviewed. The Akim noted that the Turkestan region is one of the most dynamically developing regions of Kazakhstan.

By the end of 2025, the region's economic growth reached approximately 14%, with investment volumes totalling USD 3.8 billion, while trade turnover with Uzbekistan amounted to USD 560 million.

The parties paid particular attention to joint investment projects involving Uzbek partners, including those in meat production, aquaculture, and drip irrigation systems. Additionally, implementation progress of the “Central Asia” International Center for Industrial Cooperation and prospects for its expansion were discussed.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on the joint development of promising areas in livestock farming, industrial cooperation, and tourism.

A meeting was also held at the “Atameken” Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs with representatives of the regional business community, who expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Uzbek partners, increasing mutual trade and developing joint projects.

During the discussions, issues concerning the transit of goods through the territory of Uzbekistan, settlements under foreign trade contracts, and procedures for crossing border checkpoints were raised. Appropriate clarifications were provided for all inquiries and an agreement was reached to maintain constant engagement with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Astana.

At the conclusion of the visit, the diplomats also met with compatriots residing in the Turkestan region. Participants discussed issues concerning the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties, the development of tourism exchanges, the support of the Uzbek language and culture, as well as the implementation of joint social and educational initiatives.

During the meeting, the high level of Uzbek-Kazakh relations was emphasized, and confidence was expressed that the implementation of the reached agreements would contribute to the further strengthening of the strategic partnership and good-neighbourliness between the two countries.