"Shabat" Trade Zone: A Hub for Interregional Logistics and Entrepreneurship

The "Shabat" border trade zone, located on the border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, has rapidly become a vital center for trade turnover between the two neighboring states. According to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, in the first quarter of 2026 alone (January-March), more than 1,700 tons of goods were exported to Uzbekistan through this zone. The trade zone serves not only as an export platform but also as a venue for mutually beneficial exchange. The results of the reporting period show: - Import indicators: During the same period, more than 250 tons of goods were brought from neighboring Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan. - Citizen activity: It was recorded that nearly 60,000 citizens of Uzbekistan visited the zone for shopping within three months. This figure proves the great significance of the zone for the regional population. Privileges and Future Opportunities The main difference and advantage of the "Shabat" trade zone, commissioned in November 2025, compared to other customs points is that all trade turnover conducted here is exempt from all customs duties and additional fees. This economic incentive directly supports: - Affordability of product prices; - Domestic producers' access to the international market; - Improvement of the socio-economic situation of border regions. The "Shabat" trade zone stands as one of the most promising economic projects in the region, representing a practical outcome of the friendly and brotherly relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.