### Strengthening Ties: Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Set Ambitious Trade Goals Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have embarked on a significant economic partnership, aiming to elevate their mutual trade volume to **$2 billion**. This ambitious target is part of a broader strategy to enhance bilateral relations through the expansion of goods traded and the implementation of a free trade regime. The agreement was formalized during high-level discussions between Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan on November 17, 2025, at the Kuksaroy residence in Tashkent. This initiative reflects a growing trend of regional cooperation among Central Asian nations, particularly in the context of economic development and strategic partnerships [https://zamin.uz/en/economy/169917-uzbekistan-and-turkmenistan-to-increase-trade-to-2-billion.html]. ### Overview of the Agreement and Strategic Goals 1. **Trade Expansion**: The primary goal is to increase trade volume to **$2 billion** by diversifying the range of goods exchanged between the two countries. 2. **Free Trade Regime**: Implementation of a free trade regime is expected to facilitate smoother trade operations and reduce tariffs, thereby encouraging more robust economic interactions. 3. **High-Level Talks**: The agreement was reached during a series of productive talks between the two presidents, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in the region. 4. **Regional Cooperation**: This agreement is part of a larger trend of increasing economic collaboration among Central Asian nations, including recent agreements with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan [https://caliber.az/en/post/uzbekistan-turkmenistan-presidents-unveil-plans-for-closer-economic-transport-links, https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/uzbekistan-and-turkmenistan-agree-to-expand-strategic-partnership-and-increase-trade-to-us2-billion]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Trade Volume Goals**: The target of **$2 billion** in trade is a significant increase from previous years, indicating a strong commitment to economic growth. - **Recent Trends**: The trade between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan has already surged past **$440 million** in the first nine months of 2025, showcasing the potential for increased trade in the region [https://qazinform.com/news/tajikistan-uzbekistan-trade-surges-past-400m-in-9-months-063eb6]. - **Strategic Partnerships**: The discussions between Mirziyoyev and Berdimuhamedov are part of a broader strategy to enhance regional cooperation, as seen in recent agreements with Kazakhstan to increase trade to **$10 billion** by 2030 [https://news.az/news/uzbekistan-kazakhstan-vow-to-lift-trade-turnover-to-10-bln-dollars-by-2030]. ### Conclusion: A New Era of Economic Collaboration In summary, the agreement between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to increase trade to **$2 billion** marks a pivotal moment in Central Asian economic relations. The following points encapsulate the key findings: 1. **Ambitious Trade Goals**: The target of **$2 billion** signifies a strong commitment to enhancing bilateral trade. 2. **Strategic Partnerships**: The agreement is part of a larger framework of regional cooperation, with similar initiatives being pursued with neighboring countries. 3. **Economic Growth Potential**: The implementation of a free trade regime is expected to facilitate trade and economic growth, benefiting both nations. This strategic partnership not only aims to bolster economic ties but also reflects a broader trend of collaboration among Central Asian nations, positioning them for greater economic resilience and growth in the future [https://www.uzdaily.uz/en/uzbekistan-and-turkmenistan-sign-joint-statement-and-package-of-agreements].