Under the leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, the country actively promotes its initiatives within international and regional organizations, including the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan are aimed at further developing regional cooperation, expanding trade and economic ties, and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation among the member states of the Organization. About this reports MFA of Turkmenistan. 

In this context, efforts continue to implement Turkmenistan’s initiative to establish joint trade zones among ECO member states, aimed at further developing trade and economic cooperation and expanding opportunities for cross-border trade.

At the end of August 2026, within the framework of a working visit by ECO Secretary-General Asad Majid Khan and the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran to Golestan Province, a number of meetings and negotiations were held, during which issues related to the further implementation of this initiative were discussed.

During the negotiations, it was noted that the establishment of a Joint Trade Zone could make a significant contribution to the development of the ECO region, including through expanding trade exchanges, increasing transit transportation, attracting investment, and strengthening regional connectivity.

ECO Secretary-General Asad Majid Khan noted that the initiative to establish a Joint Trade Zone could serve as a model for other border regions of ECO member states. It was also emphasized that the implementation of this initiative is in line with the objectives of the ECO aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, expanding intra-regional trade, and advancing economic integration.

The implementation of Turkmenistan’s initiatives in this area contributes to the further development of trade and economic cooperation, strengthening cross-border ties, and expanding interaction among the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization.