Kazakhstan is set to ratify an agreement with Uzbekistan regarding the International Center for Industrial Cooperation "Central Asia." This information was reported by "Kazinform."
The Mazhilis of Kazakhstan approved the relevant bill during a session on February 5. Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev, who attended the meeting, noted that the agreement aims to implement the decisions made by the Intergovernmental Commission on bilateral cooperation.
The center will be located near the Guliistan - Atemeken border crossing, the minister stated. Construction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the official opening planned for the first half of 2027.
The complex will cover an area of 100 hectares, with 50 hectares allocated for the Kazakhstan side and an equal amount for Uzbekistan. The territory will feature production sites, warehouses, and transportation infrastructure. Additionally, Global Textile is expected to establish textile production on-site.
The opening of the center is anticipated to expedite cargo transportation and reduce costs, while also promoting cooperation within the "North-South" corridor. The launch of the complex will contribute to the establishment of production facilities and job creation in sectors such as machine engineering, metalworking, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, chemicals, and leather industries.
Shakkaliev stated that the financing for the development of both internal and external infrastructure will come from an investor selected through a competitive process by the akimat of Turkestan region. Currently, the design and estimate documentation for the future complex is being developed.
The Intergovernmental Commission made the decision to establish a cross-border center for industrial cooperation in November 2023. Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed resolutions in August 2024 aimed at regulating its operations.
Previously, Spot reported that the "Gishtkuprik" checkpoint on the border with Kazakhstan will be closed for four months.