At the 17th summit of the Organization of Economic Cooperation (OES) held in Hankenli, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted critical challenges and opportunities to enhance integration among member states, stressing the notably low mutual trade volume amounting to 95 billion USD in 2024, just 10% of the total external trade turnover of the OES countries.
Mirziyoyev identified key areas for advancing cooperation, including simplifying trade in goods and services, gradually eliminating technical and non-tariff barriers, and promoting e-commerce. He proposed convening a dedicated meeting of trade ministers in Tashkent to address these themes in detail.
On investment cooperation, the Uzbek leader emphasized the necessity of establishing a transparent and attractive investment environment to stimulate interest from private investors and international financial institutions towards promising regional projects.
Transport and regional connectivity in focus
President Mirziyoyev prioritized the creation of alternative transport corridors, notably endorsing the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as a strategic infrastructure project enhancing regional connectivity. He advocated for the establishment of a Digital Transport and Customs Agency to streamline logistics and customs operations significantly.
Regarding aviation and tourism, the President put forward innovative partnership models between carriers, the opening of new air routes, and joint marketing strategies linking aviation with tourism. He called for a national airlines forum in Samarkand to closely examine these issues. Additionally, Mirziyoyev recommended adopting a roadmap within the OES to boost tourist flows.
Sustainability and long-term economic strategy
Reflecting global environmental concerns, Mirziyoyev proposed launching a cross-border “green” program within the OES framework aimed at creating forests and recreational zones in desert areas, signifying a regional commitment to ecological sustainability.
He also initiated the adoption of the “Strategic Economic Partnership Goals – 2035” concept. This document envisages extending focus beyond traditional sectors such as trade, investment, transport, energy, industry, agriculture, ecology, tourism, and education, to encompass innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies, signaling a forward-looking economic vision.
Implications for international business and the region
For international enterprises eyeing expansion into Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s proactive approach presented at the OES summit indicates a gradually emerging environment conducive to trade facilitation, investment, and infrastructure development. The emphasis on transparent investment climates and digital transformation in transport and customs suggests reduced operational barriers and increased efficiency for logistics and supply chains.
The outlined strategic goals incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable development open pathways for foreign investors and suppliers who bring innovation-driven solutions and environmentally responsible products, aligning with the region’s vision.
Overall, Uzbekistan’s leadership underscores a measured yet optimistic regional integration that international businesses should monitor closely for timely leverage of emerging opportunities in trade, transport, investment, and sustainable development within the OES framework.
