Uzbekistan and Turkey plan joint projects for the creation of new industrial zones

A meeting was held in Istanbul between Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, and Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. The goal of the negotiations was to further strengthen tourism ties between the two countries, increase mutual tourist flow, develop new travel routes, and create joint tourism products.

The parties emphasized that the shared history, language, culture, and values of both nations serve as an important foundation for cooperation in the field of tourism. Special attention was paid to studying Turkey's experience in managing tourist destinations, hotel operations, preserving cultural heritage, and developing gastronomic tourism.

Participants also discussed opportunities to create joint tourism offerings in the areas of pilgrimage tourism, tourism related to the heritage of Islamic civilization, and MICE tourism. Furthermore, the sides exchanged views on organizing familiarization trips for media representatives and bloggers from both countries, which will allow for broader promotion of their tourism potential in international media, as well as facilitate the exchange of experience among industry specialists.

Following the meeting, the parties signed a Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in the Field of Tourism between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Turkey for the period 2026–2028. This document defines specific areas of interaction aimed at expanding mutual tourism exchanges, developing pilgrimage tourism, forming joint routes, and participating jointly in international events, as well as improving the professional skills of industry workers and developing the tourism potential of Uzbekistan's regions.

These agreements lay an important foundation for implementing new practical initiatives in tourism relations between the two countries, contributing to an increase in the number of tourists from Turkey visiting Uzbekistan and fostering long-term mutually beneficial cooperation.

Uzbekistan and Turkey held discussions aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of tourism, attracting foreign tourists, and implementing joint investment projects.

According to the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, conducted a working trip to Istanbul, where negotiations took place with representatives of the World Halal Summit Council, Pegasus Airlines, and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.

Discussion on Promoting Uzbekistan as a Pilgrimage Destination

In a meeting with Yunus Ete, President of the World Halal Summit Council, the parties discussed opportunities to promote Uzbekistan as an international destination for pilgrimage and Muslim tourism. Furthermore, they considered the prospect of holding an international World Halal Summit and related forums in Uzbekistan in 2027, as well as publishing an international journal.

Participants also spoke about organizing major international events in Bukhara and other cities of Uzbekistan in partnership with the Project Office for the Development of Tourist Products under the Tourism Committee.

Joint Advertising Campaign and Route Expansion

During talks with Mehmet Tevfik Nane, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pegasus Airlines, the parties examined the potential of tourism in Uzbekistan's cities covered by the airline's route network. A preliminary agreement was reached to prepare a contract providing for a joint advertising campaign to attract tourists to Pegasus Airlines flights in five Uzbek cities.

The promotion of Uzbekistan in regions where Uzbek airlines do not have direct flights was also discussed. The Pegasus Airlines route network via Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul covers over 100 destinations in 58 countries.

It was proposed to establish cooperation with Uzbek tour operators, conduct joint marketing promotions, airline presentations, and B2B meetings during the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF) in 2026, as well as organize familiarization trips.

Attracting Hotel Brands from Turkey

In negotiations with Şekib Avdagich, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, participants focused on strengthening business ties and attracting international hotel brands from Turkey to Uzbekistan. A preliminary agreement was also reached to consider the possibility of organizing joint events with the participation of the Convention Bureau operating under the Chamber.

Turkish delegates were invited to the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair 'Tourism on the Silk Road', scheduled for November 25-27, 2026. The first international forum on tourism investments will also take place at this fair.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan held negotiations with a delegation from the Turkish-Uzbek Business Council, which operates under the Turkish Council for Foreign Economic Relations (DEİK).

The parties discussed the need to strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade relations between the two states. Akmaljon Mamajonov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and Ozgur Onur Ozgüven, Chairman of the Turkish-Uzbek Business Council, took part in the meeting.

The Turkish delegation included representatives from companies operating in the banking, construction, energy, automotive, agricultural, and industrial equipment manufacturing sectors.

Participants examined opportunities to enhance direct contacts between the business communities, increase trade turnover, and develop interaction between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and DEİK.

The issue of Turkish business participation in the international forum 'New Uzbekistan – Crossroads of Global Opportunities,' scheduled to take place in Tashkent from November 29 to December 5, was also discussed separately. Representatives of DEİK stated their readiness to assist in attracting a wide range of Turkish entrepreneurs to this event.

Furthermore, the parties considered the possibility of holding a joint meeting of the Turkish-Uzbek Business Council with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ankara. This meeting could take place concurrently with the regular session of the Intergovernmental Commission.

Following the negotiations, the participants agreed on further strengthening the partnership, expanding business contacts, and working on the implementation of joint projects.