The second working meeting on establishing a joint trade zone between Turkmenistan and Iran within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held in Iran’s Golestan province, Turkmenportal.com reported, citing Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry.
The event brought together representatives of the ECO, as well as senior officials from the trade, border, and customs agencies of both countries. Discussions focused on creating a cross-border trade market at the “Altyn Asyr” – “Bajgiran” checkpoint.
The Turkmen delegation emphasized the importance of utilizing regional and border trade potential to boost mutual trade among ECO member states, echoing President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s earlier statements at the ECO Summit.
The two sides discussed simplifying visa and customs procedures, introducing insurance mechanisms, and attracting third-country investments. ECO representatives noted that the project could serve as a model for other member states and pledged to prepare a draft agreement and roadmap for developing the trade zone at the “Altyn Asyr” – “Incheburun” customs point (on the border between Turkmenistan’s Balkan region and Iran’s Golestan province).
Later in the day, the Turkmen delegation visited the proposed site for the trade zone. The Iranian side expressed readiness to restore full pre-pandemic operations at the border checkpoint alongside the construction of the new trade area.
Participants agreed to hold the next meeting of the working group in Turkmenistan.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 7, 2025