Central Asia Emerges as Strategic Partner, Not Transit Zone, Says Expert

The recent Central Asia-Germany Expert Forum in Khiva has signaled a fundamental shift in how the region is perceived on the global stage, moving from a peripheral transit area to an independent political and strategic actor. This assessment was highlighted by Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI), who summarized key outcomes of the event held on April 16-17.

Nematov stated that the forum's results demonstrate a new paradigm of cooperation. Central Asia is definitively shedding its former image as a peripheral space and solidifying its status as an autonomous geopolitical and geo-economic subject. This view aligns with analyses from German experts, who note a transition from viewing the region through a "transit corridor" lens to recognizing it as a crucial node in Eurasia's emerging architecture.

The expert emphasized that current interactions are developing within a framework of equal strategic partnership, an institutional foundation laid during the 2023 Berlin summit. In this context, the "C5+1" format is evolving beyond a simple diplomatic dialogue into an instrument for strengthening regional agency.

A key discursive shift identified is Central Asia's ambition not to integrate into external geopolitical constructs but to build its own agenda. External partners, including Germany, are thus seen not as architects but as equal participants in jointly shaping solutions.

Nematov also pointed to a significant rethinking of the economic model of engagement. While previous focus was predominantly on transport connectivity and transit functions, he argued there is now a transition toward deeper integration—incorporating Central Asian countries into global value chains.

Consequently, he proposed shifting the cooperation focus from infrastructure to industrialization, technology localization, and joint production development. This approach complements Germany's strategy focused on diversification and risk reduction by adding practical, long-term dimensions. "This essentially involves forming a new model of economic interaction where Central Asia acts not only as a transit space but also as a production and technology hub," Nematov stressed.

Special attention was given to Afghanistan, which is viewed not as a peripheral security issue but as a structural element of regional stability. Advocating for a pragmatic engagement model over isolationist policies carrying destabilization risks, Nematov positioned Central Asia as an intermediary for more flexible interaction. He suggested Germany utilize existing regional mechanisms to build pragmatic dialogue aimed at integrating Afghanistan into infrastructural and trade processes.

Another important element of the proposed agenda is strengthening institutional collaboration. Moving beyond project-based approaches that often face implementation limits, Nematov advocated for creating sustainable mechanisms like joint educational platforms, investment funds, and technology centers. This aims to cement Germany's long-term presence in the region not just as an economic partner but also as a bearer of standards and expertise.

In broader terms, Nematov concluded that the Khiva forum confirmed Central Asia's maturity as political and strategic space. Dialogue with Germany is acquiring a qualitatively new character—a partnership of equals where recognizing regional agency becomes both a political principle and practical condition for effective cooperation.

The forum brought together representatives from academia, business circles, and think tanks from both regions to discuss political dialogue, regional security, economic cooperation, transport connectivity, energy transformation, and human capital development.