10-07-202654
The address delivered by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States acquired significant political importance, defining a new stage in contemporary Turkic integration. The strategic substance of the address was further reinforced by the fact that it raised issues such as global instability, digital transformation, environmental security, and youth policy in a coherent and interconnected manner.
In recent years, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has become an influential structure demonstrating steady rates of development. In particular, in 2025 the combined economic potential of the organization's member states exceeded 2.4 trillion dollars, while the growth rate stood at 6.8 percent — twice the global figure. On this basis, Uzbekistan's trade and investment cooperation with OTS countries is also developing rapidly. Between 2017 and 2025, mutual trade turnover increased 2.7-fold, rising from 4 billion to 11 billion dollars. The principal share of trade is accounted for by Kazakhstan (46 percent) and Türkiye (28 percent).
Furthermore, industrial goods, machinery, food, and chemical products occupy a leading position in the structure of exports, whereas food, mineral fuels, and transport equipment predominate in imports.
At the same time, between 2017 and 2025 more than 11.5 billion dollars in investment was attracted into Uzbekistan's economy from OTS countries, with Türkiye, as the largest investor, contributing 2.4 billion dollars in 2025 alone. Today, more than 4,500 enterprises operating with the participation of capital from OTS states are active in Uzbekistan, which demonstrates that economic integration and strategic partnership among the Turkic states are being increasingly consolidated.
In his address, the President particularly emphasized that cooperation among the Turkic states should rest not only on historical and cultural affinity, but also on contemporary economic and technological interests. It was noted that at a time when a crisis of trust is deepening in international relations, the unification of the Turkic states constitutes an important factor for regional stability and economic development. In this sense, commitment to the "Turkic World Vision 2040" concept reflects the organization's long-term strategic objectives.
One of the most important aspects of the address was its focus on the issues of artificial intelligence and digital development. The "Digital Turkic Corridor Concept" put forward by the President represents an important initiative aimed at strengthening regional integration through modern technologies. By connecting data centres into a single high-speed infrastructure, developing digital platforms, and organizing technology forums, the Turkic states will gain the opportunity to occupy a worthy place in the global digital economy.
At the same time, the President placed particular emphasis on youth policy and the field of education. The initiative to provide the younger generation with modern knowledge and skills through the "5 Million Artificial Intelligence Leaders" programme holds pressing significance not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire Turkic world. The proposal to establish a joint venture fund to support young people's innovative start-ups and scientific developments is likewise of practical importance. This, in turn, may serve to increase the share of high-technology sectors in the economies of the Turkic states in the future.
Issues of environmental security and climate change also occupied an important place in the address. The initiative to create a system for monitoring climate risks based on satellite data merits particular attention as a modern approach. At a time when problems of water resources and climate are becoming increasingly pressing in Central Asia, such cooperation mechanisms acquire considerable significance for the stability of the region.
In addition, an initiative to establish a Turkic Alliance in the field of cybersecurity was put forward as a response to the identification and prevention of new threats. Matters of ensuring security in the modern digital space, strengthening information exchange, and training specialists serve the common interests of the Turkic states.
Overall, the initiatives voiced during this dialogue serve as a strategic programme aimed at bringing relations among the Turkic states to a new stage. In it, historical unity and cultural affinity were harmoniously combined with modern technologies, innovation, and economic cooperation. This will undoubtedly contribute to the further strengthening of the Turkic world's standing on the international arena.
Iskandar Oroqboyev Expert, Centre for Sustainable Development