Turkic States Forge New Economic Path at Ministerial Meeting in Turkistan

The historic city of Turkistan hosted the 14th meeting of economy and trade ministers from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The gathering focused on advancing trade, economic, and investment cooperation, with participants agreeing on concrete steps to deepen integration.

Delegations were led by key officials: Asan Darbayev, Vice Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan; Rovnag Abdullayev, Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan; Sultan Akhmatov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan; Sezai Ucharmak, Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkey; Khurram Teshabayev, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan. OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and President of the Turkic Investment Fund Bagdat Amreyev also participated.

Opening the session, Asan Darbayev highlighted the symbolic importance of holding the meeting in Turkistan—the spiritual center of the Turkic world that historically united peoples along the Silk Road. He noted that the OTS is evolving from a dialogue platform into an effective mechanism for practical cooperation, creating new value chains and expanding trade links.

In 2025, mutual trade among OTS member states surpassed $11.9 billion. Kazakhstan's largest trade volumes were recorded with Turkey ($4.9 billion), Uzbekistan ($4.3 billion), Kyrgyzstan (nearly $2 billion), and Azerbaijan ($425 million).

Investment ties are also strengthening. Over the past two decades (2005–2025), foreign direct investment from OTS countries into Kazakhstan exceeded $6.3 billion, including about $210 million in 2025 alone. Conversely, Kazakh investments into OTS economies reached approximately $5 billion, with over $1.3 billion invested in 2025.

More than 12 thousand companies with capital from OTS nations operate in Kazakhstan alongside over 1,300 joint ventures, significantly contributing to trade development and industrial cooperation.

"President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the importance of enhancing the economic potential of the OTS and developing transport-logistics and investment collaboration," stated Asan Darbayev. "The Turkic Investment Fund is identified as a key tool in this direction. We propose starting to compile a list of priority projects potentially ready for financing by the Fund."

The meeting paid special attention to removing trade barriers, developing transport routes, and advancing digital trade tools. The strategic role of the Middle Corridor was underscored as a key East-West route offering additional opportunities for boosting mutual trade.

The session concluded with approval of a Roadmap for Cooperation in economy, trade, investment, and finance among OTS member states. This document outlines priority areas for joint work and mechanisms for their practical implementation.

A central event was signing ceremony for Communiqué from 14th Meeting Ministers Economy Trade which formalized agreements reached during discussions . Additionally , Memorandum Understanding partnership field between members Organization was concluded . < p > These decisions confirm commitment countries within organization towards strengthening economic integration building modern architecture cooperation focused on investments technological development sustainable growth .