Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Senate of Kazakhstan has ratified an agreement with Uzbekistan for the creation of an International Industrial Cooperation Center on the border between the two countries.

During a session, senators reviewed and endorsed the law "On the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Regulation of Activities of the International Industrial Cooperation Center 'Central Asia.'"

This center is located in the border area, with each of its sections operating under the legislation of the respective country.

According to Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, the ratified law establishes the legal framework for the center’s operation, defining its status, key areas of activity, and powers.

He expressed confidence that the document would contribute to strengthening economic ties between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, enhancing bilateral industrial cooperation, and fostering trade and economic relations between the two nations.

The center's activities are aimed at creating favorable conditions for integrating small and medium-sized industrial enterprises from both countries into global production chains.

Additionally, the center is designed to improve the efficiency of industrial potential in border regions, optimize production processes, increase the competitiveness of new enterprises, and support the development of innovative and high-tech industries.

Earlier reports indicated that the center would be located in border areas near the "Atameken" checkpoint in Kazakhstan and the "Gulistan" checkpoint in Uzbekistan, where border and customs control, as well as inspections of vehicles, cargo, goods, and livestock moving between parts of the center, would take place.

Within its territory, enterprises will be able to engage in activities aimed at promoting industrial cooperation. The complex will cover an area of 100 hectares, with 50 hectares allocated to the Kazakh side and the remaining 50 hectares to the Uzbek side.