A Business Mission from Uzbek Companies to Turkmenistan Adds a New Dimension to Ties in the Construction Industry
A business mission from the Association of Construction Materials Enterprises of Uzbekistan (Uzpromstroymaterialy) took place in Ashgabat on July 27-28. The main venue for business contacts was the Turkmen-Uzbek business forum at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, which brought together delegations from relevant agencies, developers, and manufacturers from both countries.
Representatives from approximately 30 Uzbek companies specializing in industrial and civil construction, road equipment, and construction materials production arrived in Turkmenistan to explore specific areas of common interest, from direct supplies to the creation of joint high-tech production facilities.
Speaking at the forum, Azat Nazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, emphasized that the construction industry is currently a powerful driver of both countries' economies:
"Turkmenistan is consistently implementing large-scale state programs to build modern cities, industrial facilities, and infrastructure. Uzbekistan, in turn, has significant potential in the production of construction materials and is successfully developing exports. This is why this meeting is particularly practical—it is a direct dialogue between businesses capable of quickly establishing production chains."
During the presentation, Mekan Sopyev, a representative of the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan, introduced the Uzbek partners to the capabilities of the domestic construction industry, the modernization of factory facilities, and the development of new product lines.
The business discussion focused on industry cooperation and the technological capabilities of specific companies. Ulugbek Khakberdiev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Uzpromstroymaterialy Association, outlined the large-scale prospects for industrial dialogue, proposing to utilize the raw materials and production potential of the two countries for the joint production of competitive products.
For his part, Begench Arazov, a member of the Board of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan (UIET), confirmed the Turkmen private sector's strong commitment to expanding import-substituting production, implementing joint construction projects, and expanding supplies to regional markets.
Uzbek manufacturers presented their proposals and technological solutions: Original Colormix showcased a line of modern paints and varnishes and dry construction mixes adapted to the region's climatic conditions, Pipe Metal LLC outlined the potential for supplying steel and rolled metal products for municipal infrastructure and industrial construction, and Mexmash management introduced their Turkmen partners to a range of high-strength fasteners and components in demand in the construction of complex engineering structures.
These presentations clearly demonstrated that the parties view each other not simply as buyers or sellers, but as full-fledged partners in the production chain.
In an interview with ORIENT, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov noted that the detailed preparation of the forum allowed for an intensive brainstorming session. B2B and B2G negotiations outlined the contours of joint projects that go far beyond the simple import-export exchange of goods.
"Today, our countries are implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, developing transport corridors, and expanding residential and industrial construction. This significantly expands the construction materials market and requires a constant exchange of technologies," the Ambassador stated. "Given the challenging logistics situation around our region, we need to join forces to enter promising third markets, including Afghanistan, with joint products."
The diplomat also emphasized the social aspect of the industry: the construction of schools, hospitals, and housing requires the use of the most modern and environmentally friendly solutions. Uzbek businesses have shown great interest in Turkmenistan's unique experience in constructing the region's first "smart" city, Arkadag, concept and digital technologies of which are generating significant professional interest among developers in the neighboring country.
The second day of the business mission, July 28, was devoted entirely to practical work on site. Representatives of Uzbek companies visited major infrastructure sites in Ashgabat and held direct talks with their Turkmen counterparts.
In particular, a meeting was held with the management of the well-known Turkmen company AK Gaya. During the talks, the Uzbek side presented its export potential, price offers, and logistics options, discussing long-term supplies of materials and expanding its product range on the Turkmen market.
The recent business mission demonstrated that the construction markets of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are moving from simple trade to deep industrial cooperation. In a highly competitive international environment, the pooling of technological, raw material, and human resources between the two countries will enable the creation of high-value-added products that meet strict energy efficiency and environmental standards, enabling entry into new export markets.
