Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are exploring ways to improve cross-border trade and transport efficiency, including increasing the throughput capacity of the “Sarazm (Tajikistan) – Jartepa (Uzbekistan)” border crossing point (BCP). The discussions took place late last week in Samarkand during a meeting of the Joint Commission on International Road Transport Development, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport.

The Tajik delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Transport Shoista Saidmurodzoda, while Uzbekistan was represented by First Deputy Transport Minister Mamanbiy Omarov.

Key topics included the digitization of permit exchange documents for international road transport, increasing the number of transport permits, and organizing pilot shipments along the China–Tajikistan–Uzbekistan multimodal transport corridor.

“Following the discussions, both sides outlined further steps and concrete measures to be implemented in the future,” the Uzbek ministry noted.

Earlier, Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of Uzbek President’s Office, shared updates via her Telegram channel about a project aimed at establishing trade, logistics, and medical hubs along the Tajik-Uzbek border.

“The goal is to transform the area from a mere transit point into a dynamic center of economic activity,” Mirziyoyeva wrote. The proposed logistics center is designed to handle up to 100 cargo trucks per day. In addition to facilitating transport, the center aims to add value to goods by offering logistical services that enhance product competitiveness. Customs processes will be streamlined, reducing bureaucracy, expediting paperwork, and improving transparency.

The project also includes plans for a diagnostic medical center capable of serving approximately 200 patients daily, and a commercial hub designed to accommodate 800 entrepreneurs.

“The implementation of this project will allow Tajik citizens to access trade and medical services without passport checks, excessive paperwork, or long wait times — significantly easing cross-border interactions and strengthening economic ties between the two regions,” Mirziyoyeva added.

 Currently, there are eighteen BCPs along the Tajik-Uzbek border; nine of them have an international status.  Fourteen BCPs are located in the northern Sughd province and the remaining four BCPs are located in the southern Khatlon province and in the Tursunzoda district (central Tajikistan).