Trade with Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Beyond
Via the Middle Corridor rail, Trans-Caspian route and direct flights — safe, competitive trade solutions from Turkey to Central Asia's fastest-growing markets, backed by 30 years of experience.
The Central Asia region has emerged as one of Turkey's fastest-growing trade areas. Under the Organization of Turkic States framework, deepening economic cooperation with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan is delivering 10-15% annual growth for Turkish exporters. Strong demand exists across the region for Turkish brands in construction, food, textiles, agricultural equipment, healthcare products and machinery. At Toko Trading, our established regional network and language-capable team provide end-to-end support for companies entering these markets.
The most critical advantage for regional trade is the multimodal transport network known as the "Middle Corridor" (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route). Cargo starting from Turkey crosses the Caucasus via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, is ferried across the Caspian Sea, and distributed throughout Central Asia via Kazakhstan. Emerging as an alternative to Russian routes after 2022, this corridor has become a reliable option for container transport with 10-14 day transit times. Toko Trading maintains active partnerships with operators at every point along the corridor.
The most common challenges in exporting to the region are: payment systems (SWIFT limitations, correspondent bank gaps), differing customs regulations, certification (EAEU technical regulations) and local language/culture. Toko Trading serves all these areas with an experienced team: local bank solutions for payments, EAEU compliance certificates (EAC, GOST-K), Uzbek/Kazakh language communications and direct connections with local customs brokers. This enables Turkish firms to establish sustainable presence — not merely one-off sales — in the region.
Sectors Where We Excel in the Region
Construction & Building Materials
Turkish ceramics, glass, iron-steel, door-window systems and paint products hold strong positions in residential, infrastructure and industrial projects. Major contractors in Tashkent, Almaty and Astana prefer Turkish suppliers.
Agriculture & Food Processing Equipment
Flour mills, fruit-vegetable processing lines, dairy technology, greenhouse systems and irrigation equipment — Turkish technology and machinery exports are growing 20% annually to convert the region's agricultural potential into value.
Textile Machinery & Accessories
Uzbekistan ranks 6th globally in cotton production — Turkish manufacturers have secured significant market share in weaving looms, spinning machines, dyehouse equipment and auxiliary chemicals. Local yarn/fabric producers have also begun supplying Turkish ready-to-wear brands.
Healthcare & Medical Products
For hospital equipment, medical consumables, pharmaceutical raw materials and dental products, the balance between Turkish quality and European pricing makes Turkish brands preferred in the region. GMP-compliant production and EAEU certification are core services Toko provides.
Automotive & Spare Parts
Turkish automotive OEM parts, filters, batteries, tires and aftermarket products serve the region's expanding vehicle fleet. We build direct connections between assembly plants in Kazakhstan and Turkish suppliers.
Furniture & Home Textiles
Classic Turkish furniture, carpets, curtains and bedding products enjoy high brand value in the region. A significant portion of orders after the Istanbul CNR furniture fair heads to Central Asia.
Ways to Reach the Region
Middle Corridor (BTK + Caspian + Kazakh Rail)
Container train from Kars to Baku, ferry to Aktau, then via Kazakhstan to Tashkent. The most reliable alternative to Russian routes.
Iran Transit Route
TIR fleets entering Iran through the Kapiköy border gate cross Iranian territory to reach Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan. Sealed customs transit is provided with the TIR carnet.
Direct Cargo Flights
Regular cargo flights from Istanbul to Tashkent, Almaty, Baku, Astana via Turkish Cargo, Uzbekistan Airways and Silk Way. Ideal for valuable/urgent shipments.
What You Need to Know Before Entering
Business Culture & Negotiation Style
Personal relationships and trust are prerequisites for sales in the region. The first visit is typically for "introduction"; formal offers are evaluated on the second visit. Turkish language provides a major advantage — we conduct direct negotiations with Uzbek, Kazakh and Azeri business partners who speak Turkic languages. Business tempo slows during Ramadan and Nowruz; this should be factored into planning.
Contracts & Payment Security
For new customers, either advance payment or 30% deposit + letter of credit after loading is recommended. When opening L/C with local banks, correspondent bank lists must be verified. For long-term partnerships, credit insurance (Turkish Eximbank) can be used. We provide contract templates, payment protection solutions and business reference verification for our clients.
Certification & Compliance
Many products entering EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) member Kazakhstan require EAC (EurAsian Conformity) certificates. Uzbekistan requires UzStandart certificates; Azerbaijan requires AzStand. Toko accelerates the process by working with accredited laboratories in Turkey and local certification agencies — typically 4-8 weeks.
Payment & Banking
Regional payment systems have undergone significant change in recent years. The Central Bank of Uzbekistan and National Bank of Kazakhstan face various limitations in international correspondent banking. We offer three main solutions to our clients: (1) USD/EUR L/C via Turkish participation banks (Türkiye Finans, Emlak Katılım), (2) transfers via UAE or Cyprus offshore accounts, (3) local currency purchase (Som, Tenge, Manat) through local partner firm with USD transfer to Turkey. We recommend the most suitable solution based on each client's profile.
Regulatory Framework
The 2022 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Turkey and Uzbekistan provides preferential tariffs for 250+ product groups. As Kazakhstan is an EAEU member, the EAEU common tariff regime applies for imports but separate bilateral agreements with Turkey also exist. Azerbaijan operates under preferential trade conditions within the Turkic World Alliance (TDA) framework. Turkmenistan proceeds via bilateral agreements. Double taxation avoidance agreements are in force in all countries. Toko informs clients in advance of the correct HS code, preferential tariff rate and required certificates of origin for each product group.