02.04.26
Kazakhstan views Turkic integration as a long-term, pragmatic, and economically oriented process. This was stated by Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov at a meeting of the heads of government of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Baku.
According to him, by the end of 2025, Kazakhstan’s mutual trade turnover with OTS member states reached $12.9 billion. The Prime Minister emphasized the country’s interest in further deepening trade, economic, and investment ties.
During the meeting, the need to strengthen the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic countries and to ensure close coordination with the Turkic Investment Fund was highlighted. This step aims to enhance interaction among the OTS’s economic institutions.
In order to expand mutual trade and create digital conditions for business, Kazakhstan plans to soon complete the ratification of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). It was also proposed to accelerate the establishment of the regional metrology organization of Turkic states (TURKMET).
As part of business support, a “Turan” special economic zone has been established in the city of Turkistan. The country expressed its readiness to host joint production facilities and develop technological clusters in this area.
Special attention was given to transport and transit cooperation. To strengthen the status of the Middle Corridor, an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan is planned to be signed this year.
Olzhas Bektenov noted the need for further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), taking into account the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. According to him, the OTS Digital Monitoring Center could serve as an additional driver for the development of the Middle Corridor. It was proposed to establish a dedicated working group in this direction.
In addition, issues of strengthening cross-border energy infrastructure and promoting environmental solutions were discussed. The Government of Kazakhstan is developing a concept for creating a special council to disseminate best practices in energy efficiency. It was noted that such initiatives will enable the implementation of joint programs for the efficient use of water resources in Central Asia.
