Uzbekistan and Türkiye have agreed to deepen investment cooperation, expand Turkish companies’ participation in Uzbekistan’s privatisation programme and strengthen commercial relations between their business communities.

The agreement follows a meeting between Sohibjon Murodov, Director of Uzbekistan’s State Assets Management Agency, and Özgür Onur Özgüven, Chairman of the Türkiye–Uzbekistan Business Council under Türkiye’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK).

The two sides signed a Memorandum of Cooperation designed to give Turkish businesses better access to information about Uzbekistan’s state-owned assets available for privatisation, exchange investment proposals and establish regular business contacts.

The development comes as both countries are expanding their wider strategic partnership, including trade, tourism, aviation, transport and cultural cooperation.

For international travellers, including Nigerians and other Africans, the growing relationship could create more business, tourism and connecting-flight opportunities between Türkiye and Central Asia. Istanbul is already an important international transit point for travellers heading to Uzbekistan.

However, the investment agreement does not introduce a new visa-free arrangement for Nigerians or automatically change the entry requirements for other foreign nationals.

Uzbekistan Offers 84 Enterprises and More Than 1,200 Properties to Investors

One of the major outcomes of the cooperation agreement is the opportunity for Turkish investors to participate in Uzbekistan’s ongoing privatisation programme.

Speaking during the meeting, Sohibjon Murodov disclosed that the Uzbek government planned to offer the following state-owned assets for sale during 2026 and 2027:

Asset category	Number or estimated size
State-owned stakes in enterprises	84 enterprises
Real estate properties	1,242 properties
Land	Nearly 8,000 hectares
Estimated total value	Nearly 100 trillion Uzbek soums

The assets are expected to be offered under a presidential decree aimed at expanding private-sector participation in the economy.

The programme creates opportunities for Turkish companies interested in acquiring businesses, commercial properties and land for investment or development.

The government also announced financial incentives intended to attract investors and encourage faster transactions.

Investors Can Receive a 25% Discount for Early Full Payment

According to the announcement, investors who pay the full purchase price within six months will receive a 25% discount.

The privatisation terms also include:

• Interest-free instalments: Buyers can pay for qualifying assets over seven years without interest.
• Early reconstruction: Investors purchasing properties can begin reconstruction work after paying at least 50% of the purchase price.
• Access to investment information: Turkish businesses will receive information about the assets available for privatisation and the relevant acquisition conditions.

These arrangements could make Uzbekistan more attractive to foreign businesses seeking opportunities in Central Asia.

However, the incentives are subject to the official terms of each transaction. Investors will need to establish which assets are available, whether foreign ownership is permitted for the particular transaction and what additional regulatory obligations apply.

Uzbekistan and Türkiye to Organise Investment Meeting for Turkish Businesses in December

The Memorandum of Cooperation also provides for a special investment panel session in December 2026.

The meeting will give Turkish investors an opportunity to learn about Uzbekistan’s privatisation programme, examine state-owned assets available for acquisition and understand the conditions attached to the sales.

It is expected to provide a platform for discussions between government officials and Turkish companies interested in investing in Uzbekistan.

The planned event is particularly relevant to businesses operating in sectors where Uzbekistan is seeking additional private-sector investment, including:

• Energy and electricity generation.
• Agriculture and food processing.
• Construction and real estate development.
• Manufacturing and industrial production.
• Transport and logistics.
• Hospitality and tourism.
• Technology and other service industries.

The investment panel is part of the broader effort to establish regular communication between Turkish investors and Uzbekistan’s state asset management authorities.

The agreement does not mean that all the listed assets have already been sold or that every Turkish company will automatically qualify to acquire them. Interested businesses must follow the relevant privatisation and investment procedures. qazinform.com+2

Türkiye Remains One of Uzbekistan’s Major Investment and Trading Partners

The latest agreement builds on an established economic relationship between the two countries.

According to Uzbekistan’s official news agency, bilateral trade reached approximately US$3 billion in 2025, representing a 1.9-fold increase compared with 2017.

Türkiye ranked among Uzbekistan’s leading trading partners, accounting for 3.7% of its total foreign trade turnover in 2025.

The two countries exchange a variety of goods and services, including industrial products, machinery, chemicals, textiles, agricultural products and transport services.

Their commercial relationship also involves substantial Turkish investment in Uzbekistan.

As of January 1, 2026, there were 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital operating in Uzbekistan. These included:

• 496 joint ventures.
• 1,641 wholly Turkish-owned enterprises.

The total value of direct investments and loans from Türkiye between 2017 and 2025 reached approximately US$9 billion, including US$2.6 billion attracted in 2025.

Turkish investments have supported projects in energy, manufacturing, agriculture, construction and other sectors.

One example is the involvement of Turkish company Cengiz Enerji in the construction of thermal power plants in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent and Syrdarya regions.

These figures demonstrate that the latest memorandum is an extension of an existing economic partnership rather than the beginning of investment relations between the two countries.

Uzbekistan and Türkiye Expand Their Strategic Partnership

The investment agreement follows a high-level meeting between Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Türkiye’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in Ankara on October 29, 2026.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in trade, investment, transport, mining, defence industry and other areas.

The two governments also signed several bilateral agreements and protocols.

Among the documents was an agreement establishing a High-Level Business Support Council, intended to strengthen communication between businesses and government authorities.

Other agreements included:

• A protocol expanding the list of goods covered by the Preferential Trade Agreement.
• An intergovernmental agreement on social security.
• An administrative agreement relating to the implementation of the social security arrangement.
• An additional protocol concerning the exchange of information about goods and vehicles moving across their borders.

The agreements are expected to improve trade conditions, strengthen economic cooperation and provide additional protection for citizens’ social rights.

The two countries also intend to continue cooperation through their joint intergovernmental mechanisms and wider regional partnerships.

How the Growing Uzbekistan–Türkiye Relationship Could Benefit International Travellers

Although the latest memorandum focuses on investment, the wider partnership has important implications for international travel.

Türkiye is strategically positioned between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, while Uzbekistan is an important destination in Central Asia.

Their growing commercial and diplomatic relationship is encouraging more flights, tourism partnerships, business visits and cultural exchanges.

For international travellers, these developments could create several benefits.

1. More Flight Connections Between Türkiye and Uzbekistan

Air connectivity is one of the most practical ways the expanding relationship could benefit travellers.

Turkish Airlines already operates services connecting Istanbul with five Uzbek destinations:

• Tashkent.
• Samarkand.
• Bukhara.
• Urgench.
• Ferghana.

The airline’s published route information identifies Istanbul as its departure hub for these destinations.

In October 2026, Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee reported that Turkish Airlines was operating 42 flights per week to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench.

The committee also discussed increasing flight frequencies and using Turkish Airlines’ international network to attract more visitors to Uzbekistan.

For travellers from Africa, Europe and the Middle East, this connectivity makes it easier to plan trips to Uzbekistan through Istanbul. O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Hukumat portali+1

2. Nigerians Could Benefit From Improved Connections Through Istanbul

Nigeria is one of the African countries connected to Türkiye through Turkish Airlines’ services between Lagos, Abuja and Istanbul.

This provides Nigerian travellers with an established route for connecting to Uzbekistan.

The travel arrangement generally involves:

1. Departing from Lagos or Abuja.
2. Arriving at Istanbul Airport in Türkiye.
3. Connecting to a Turkish Airlines flight to Tashkent or another Uzbek destination.

The connection is particularly useful for Nigerians travelling for business meetings, investment activities, tourism, conferences and educational opportunities.

Turkish Airlines has also announced additional services on its Lagos–Istanbul route.

According to a report published in October 2026, the airline planned to increase Lagos–Istanbul frequencies from seven to ten weekly flights from December 11, 2026. Its Abuja–Istanbul services had already increased to seven weekly flights from June 2026.

More frequent flights could provide Nigerian passengers with additional connection options to Uzbekistan and other international destinations.

3. Transit Passengers May Benefit From Istanbul Stopover Services

Travellers connecting through Istanbul may also be able to use Turkish Airlines’ stopover programmes, subject to their eligibility and the airline’s conditions.

Two services are particularly relevant.

Touristanbul

Turkish Airlines offers eligible international transit passengers a complimentary Istanbul city tour when their connection lasts between 6 and 24 hours. This allows qualifying passengers to explore selected attractions during a long connection.

Stopover in Istanbul

Eligible passengers with qualifying international return tickets and a transit period of at least 20 hours may receive complimentary hotel accommodation under the programme’s conditions.

These services could make a journey from Nigeria to Uzbekistan more convenient for travellers who want to spend some time in Istanbul before continuing to Central Asia.

However, the programmes are subject to Turkish Airlines’ eligibility conditions, booking arrangements and participating routes. A complimentary hotel or city tour does not automatically include immigration permission to enter Türkiye. O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Hukumat portali+1

4. More Opportunities for Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Uzbekistan and Türkiye are also strengthening cooperation in tourism promotion.

On November 6, 2026, Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee announced further discussions with Turkish organisations and companies about increasing international visitor arrivals, attracting investment and developing joint tourism projects.

The discussions included cooperation with:

• The World Halal Summit Council.
• Pegasus Airlines.
• Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.

The two sides explored opportunities to promote Uzbekistan as a destination for international pilgrimage and Muslim-friendly tourism.

They also discussed the possibility of hosting the World Halal Summit and related international forums in Uzbekistan in 2027.

Another proposal involved joint promotional campaigns with Pegasus Airlines to attract visitors through its network, which covers more than 100 destinations in 58 countries.

The two countries also discussed attracting international hotel brands from Türkiye to Uzbekistan and organising joint events to promote tourism.

These initiatives could improve the visibility of Uzbekistan among international visitors who may not previously have considered Central Asia for holidays or cultural travel. O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Hukumat portali

Uzbekistan Is Promoting Its Historic Cities to International Tourists

Uzbekistan has several destinations that could benefit from increased tourism connections with Türkiye and other international markets.

Samarkand

One of Central Asia’s most famous historic cities. It is known for Registan Square, Islamic architecture, historic madrasas and its role along the ancient Silk Road.

Bukhara

A major cultural and religious destination with ancient mosques, trading domes, madrasas and traditional architecture.

Tashkent

The country’s capital and a major centre for business, education, transport, government and international travel.

Khiva

A preserved historic city with traditional buildings, defensive walls and important Silk Road heritage.

The expansion of international flight connections could make it easier for tourists to combine visits to multiple Uzbek cities in one trip.

Uzbekistan’s tourism authorities have also discussed travel packages that allow visitors to arrive through one city and depart from another, reducing the need to return to their original arrival point.

What the Investment Agreement Means for Nigerians and Other African Businesspeople

The latest agreement is primarily designed to attract Turkish investors. It does not establish a new investment scheme specifically for Nigerian or other African investors.

Nevertheless, the privatisation programme could create indirect opportunities for businesses from other countries.

Nigerian and African entrepreneurs interested in Central Asia may explore possible commercial partnerships with Turkish companies already operating in Uzbekistan.

Potential areas of interest include:

• Agricultural processing and food production.
• Textile and garment manufacturing.
• Renewable energy and electricity projects.
• Construction materials and property development.
• Tourism, hospitality and hotel management.
• Machinery, equipment and industrial supplies.
• International trade and logistics.

For example, a Nigerian business interested in importing machinery or agricultural processing equipment could explore partnerships with Turkish manufacturers that have established operations in Uzbekistan.

Likewise, African investors may examine whether they can participate in suitable Uzbek investment opportunities independently or through joint ventures, subject to local laws and the specific conditions of each sale.

The memorandum signed between the Uzbek State Assets Management Agency and the Türkiye–Uzbekistan Business Council does not automatically give Nigerian businesses access to the same investor information or special arrangements. Interested African companies should contact the relevant Uzbek investment authorities to establish the applicable procedures for foreign investors.

Important Travel and Visa Requirements for Nigerians Visiting Türkiye and Uzbekistan

The expanding relationship between Türkiye and Uzbekistan may make travel between the two countries more convenient. However, Nigerian travellers must understand that the two countries operate separate immigration systems.

A Turkish visa does not automatically grant permission to enter Uzbekistan, and an Uzbek visa does not provide permission to enter Türkiye.

Türkiye Visa Requirements for Nigerian Passport Holders

According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian citizens holding ordinary, official or service passports generally require visas to enter Türkiye.

Nigerian diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for visits of up to 90 days.

For ordinary Nigerian passport holders, the visa application process must be completed through the authorised channels.

The Turkish Embassy in Abuja announced in January 2026 that Nigerian applicants must submit Turkish visa applications through its authorised service provider, Sefa Visa.

The embassy also advised applicants to follow its official announcements for updates to application procedures.

Relevant links:

• Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information for Foreigners
• Turkish Embassy in Abuja – Visa Application Announcement
• Official Turkish e-Visa Portal

Applicants should check whether their passport category and circumstances qualify for an electronic visa or require an application through the embassy’s authorised process.

Uzbekistan Visa and Entry Restrictions for Nigerian Citizens

There is an additional issue Nigerian travellers must consider.

On November 6, 2026, reports emerged that Uzbekistan had introduced temporary restrictions on visa issuance and entry for Nigerian citizens.

A notice published on the Green Energy Technologies Central Asia (GETCA) exhibition website stated that temporary restrictions had been introduced and advised Nigerians seeking entry under exceptional circumstances to contact the consular section of the Uzbek Embassy.

As of November 9, 2026, the notice does not specify the exact duration of the restrictions or provide a detailed explanation of the reasons behind the measure.

This development is particularly important for Nigerians considering a trip from Lagos or Abuja through Istanbul to Tashkent.

Travelling through Türkiye does not remove a restriction based on Nigerian nationality. A Nigerian passport holder should not assume that an Istanbul connection will make them eligible to enter Uzbekistan.

Before purchasing a ticket, travellers should contact the Uzbek consular authorities and confirm whether they can obtain entry permission.

Official information:

• GETCA – Visa Information for Foreign Nationals
• Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Uzbekistan Official Visa Information

The Uzbek authorities should also be contacted about previously issued visas, transit arrangements and possible exceptional entry permission. Vanguard News+2

Does a Nigerian Need a Turkish Visa Just to Connect Through Istanbul?

The answer depends on the itinerary and whether the passenger must pass through Turkish immigration.

A passenger who remains within the international transit area may have different requirements from someone who leaves the airport to enter Türkiye.

However, travellers should confirm the conditions with Turkish Airlines and the Turkish authorities before booking.

This is particularly important where passengers have separate tickets, need to collect and recheck baggage, change airports or have a long connection that requires leaving the transit area.

A Touristanbul visit or Stopover in Istanbul hotel arrangement may require entry into Türkiye. Nigerian passengers should therefore establish whether they need a Turkish visa for the specific service they intend to use.

Could the Growing Relationship Create More Opportunities for African Students?

The strengthening relationship between Uzbekistan and Türkiye could also create opportunities in education, academic exchange and international mobility.

The two countries have identified education, culture, tourism and people-to-people relations as areas for continued cooperation.

As commercial relations expand, there may be greater demand for international students, researchers and professionals who can support business activities, technology partnerships and cross-border projects.

Potential areas for students and graduates to monitor include:

• University partnerships and academic exchange programmes.
• International conferences and research collaborations.
• Business and investment-related training.
• Tourism and hospitality education.
• Engineering, energy and manufacturing-related programmes.
• Language and cultural exchange initiatives.

However, the November 2026 investment memorandum does not announce a new scholarship programme, student exchange agreement or tuition-free admission arrangement.

Nigerian students interested in studying in either country should check individual university admission requirements, available scholarships and immigration conditions rather than assuming that the new investment agreement provides automatic education benefits.

Türkiye’s and Uzbekistan’s expanding economic relationship may create a more favourable environment for future academic and professional cooperation, but specific scholarship announcements must be verified separately.

What Travellers and Investors Should Do Next

For Nigerians and other international visitors interested in the opportunities emerging from the Uzbekistan–Türkiye relationship, the following steps are advisable.

For tourists:

• Check flight routes through Istanbul and compare connections to Tashkent, Samarkand and other Uzbek cities.
• Confirm visa requirements for both countries.
• Verify whether a transit connection requires entry into Türkiye.
• Check accommodation, travel insurance and local registration requirements in Uzbekistan.
• Confirm that any existing visa remains valid before departure.

For business people and investors:

• Review Uzbekistan’s official privatisation announcements.
• Identify the enterprises, properties or land available for sale.
• Contact the State Assets Management Agency about foreign-investor eligibility.
• Seek legal and financial advice before entering an investment agreement.
• Confirm the terms of any discount or instalment arrangement before committing funds.

For students and researchers:

• Monitor university announcements and international cooperation programmes.
• Contact institutions directly about admissions and academic partnerships.
• Check scholarship availability independently.
• Confirm visa eligibility before paying tuition deposits or travel costs.

Facts and Quick Verification Tracker

Development	Details
Countries involved	Uzbekistan and Türkiye
Latest investment agreement reported	9 November 2026
Uzbek official involved	Sohibjon Murodov
Turkish business representative	Özgür Onur Özgüven
Agreement signed	Memorandum of Cooperation
State-owned enterprises offered for sale	84
Real estate properties	1,242
Land included	Nearly 8,000 hectares
Estimated value of assets	Nearly 100 trillion Uzbek soums
Full-payment incentive	25% discount for payment within six months
Instalment arrangement	Interest-free payments over seven years
Reconstruction option	After paying at least 50% of the property purchase price
Planned investor panel	December 2026
Turkish Airlines destinations in Uzbekistan	Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench and Ferghana
Turkish Airlines weekly flights reported in October	42 to four Uzbek cities
Nigerian travel consideration	Temporary Uzbek visa and entry restrictions reported on 6 November 2026

Official Sources and Useful Travel Links

• Qazinform – Uzbekistan and Türkiye Agree to Strengthen Investment Ties
• Uzbekistan National News Agency – Investment Cooperation
• Uzbekistan Government – Outcomes of the High-Level Meeting
• Uzbekistan Tourism Committee – Tourism Cooperation With Türkiye
• Uzbekistan Tourism Committee – Turkish Airlines Flight Cooperation
• Turkish Airlines – Flights to Uzbekistan
• Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Requirements
• Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What did Uzbekistan and Türkiye agree on in November 2026?

They agreed to strengthen investment cooperation through a Memorandum of Cooperation between Uzbekistan’s State Assets Management Agency and the Türkiye–Uzbekistan Business Council. The agreement will improve access to information about privatisation opportunities, facilitate investment proposals and encourage regular business contacts.

2. How many state-owned assets will Uzbekistan offer for sale?

The announced programme includes state-owned stakes in 84 enterprises, 1,242 real estate properties and nearly 8,000 hectares of land during 2026 and 2027.

3. What is the estimated value of the assets available for privatisation?

The estimated value is nearly 100 trillion Uzbek soums.

4. What incentives are available to investors?

Investors who pay the full purchase price within six months can receive a 25% discount. The programme also provides interest-free instalments over seven years. Property buyers can begin reconstruction after paying at least 50% of the purchase price, subject to the applicable conditions.

5. Can Nigerians invest in Uzbekistan?

Potentially, yes. The latest memorandum focuses on Turkish investors, but Nigerians and other foreign nationals may explore investment opportunities under Uzbekistan’s applicable foreign-investment and privatisation rules. They should contact the relevant government authorities for the requirements of each transaction.

6. Can Nigerians travel to Uzbekistan through Türkiye?

Türkiye provides flight connections from Istanbul to several Uzbek cities. However, Nigerians must meet the entry requirements of both countries. The temporary restrictions on visa issuance and entry for Nigerian citizens reported in November 2026 must also be considered before booking.

7. Does a Turkish visa allow Nigerians to enter Uzbekistan?

No. A Turkish visa only provides permission to travel to or enter Türkiye under its conditions. It does not automatically grant permission to enter Uzbekistan.

8. Which Uzbek cities can travellers reach through Turkish Airlines?

Turkish Airlines lists Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench and Ferghana among its Uzbekistan destinations, with flights from Istanbul.

9. Can Nigerians enjoy a free Istanbul tour while travelling to Uzbekistan?

Eligible Turkish Airlines transit passengers may qualify for Touristanbul, which offers a complimentary city tour for qualifying connections lasting between six and 24 hours. However, Nigerian travellers must also meet Turkish immigration requirements if they need to enter Türkiye to participate.

10. Has Uzbekistan announced new scholarships for Nigerians under the investment agreement?

No. The investment memorandum does not announce scholarships or a new student exchange programme. Students should monitor separate announcements from universities and official scholarship authorities.

11. When will the Turkish investor meeting take place?

The special investment panel session is scheduled for December 2026. It will present available state-owned assets and explain the relevant acquisition conditions to Turkish investors.

12. Will the agreement make travel between Uzbekistan and Türkiye visa-free?

The November 2026 investment agreement does not introduce a new visa-free arrangement. Travellers must continue to follow the existing immigration rules for their nationality and passport category.