What's Happening?
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev introduced several initiatives at the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit in Ankara, aiming to deepen cooperation among member and observer states. These proposals include launching an 'OTS Plus' format
for sectoral ministerial meetings, establishing the 'Turkic World – 100' program for strategic investment projects, and proposing a treaty on mutual legal assistance in commercial matters. Additionally, initiatives for a Network of Logistics Complexes, a Turkic Tourism Alliance, and an annual scholarship program for young people were put forth. The economic ties within the OTS have significantly grown, with Uzbekistan's trade with OTS countries increasing 2.6-fold from $4.13 billion in 2017 to $10.82 billion in 2025. The combined GDP of OTS member and observer states reached $2.11 trillion in 2025, with a foreign trade turnover of $1.12 trillion. These initiatives seek to leverage this economic scale and geographical location to attract external partners and foster joint development.
Why It's Important?
These initiatives are crucial for enhancing economic integration and stability across the Turkic states, potentially creating a more robust economic bloc. The 'OTS Plus' format could facilitate concrete agreements with external investors, bringing technology and financing to the region. The 'Turkic World – 100' program, supported by the Turkic Investment Fund with $600 million in authorized capital, aims to develop strategic projects in industry, infrastructure, and renewable energy, fostering advanced processing and export capabilities. The proposed treaty on mutual legal assistance is vital for protecting the interests of thousands of enterprises operating across these countries, reducing legal uncertainty and supporting cross-border investments, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Improved logistics through a coordinated network would enhance the efficiency of the Middle Corridor, reducing costs and increasing delivery predictability, which is critical for regional trade and development.
What's Next?
The Ankara Declaration, adopted at the summit, outlines shared priorities for future cooperation, building on existing investment projects totaling $17.24 billion. The next steps involve securing agreements on project parameters and funding sources for the proposed initiatives. The Turkic Investment Fund is expected to play a key role in developing sound projects and attracting co-investors. The proposed treaty on mutual legal assistance will require negotiation and ratification among member states to establish predictable legal procedures for businesses. The Network of Logistics Complexes will need joint management frameworks to ensure coordinated service standards and data exchange. The Turkic Tourism Alliance will focus on expanding comprehensive tourism itineraries and promoting them internationally, while the 'New Uzbekistan Scholarship' program will aim to connect specialist training with industrial and technological priorities across the Turkic states.
Beyond the Headlines
The proposed initiatives signify a strategic move towards greater self-reliance and regional influence for the Turkic states. By combining their market size, resource base, and strategic location, they aim to attract significant external investment and technology, potentially shifting global supply chains and trade routes. The emphasis on advanced processing of raw materials and joint efforts to enter international markets with finished products indicates a long-term vision for economic diversification and value addition. Furthermore, the focus on legal harmonization and coordinated logistics infrastructure suggests a commitment to creating a more predictable and efficient business environment, which could attract more foreign direct investment. The cultural and educational initiatives, such as the Turkic Tourism Alliance and scholarships, aim to foster deeper people-to-people connections, building a stronger collective identity and shared future for the Turkic world, extending beyond mere economic cooperation.
