07.03.25

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) sets an ambitious goal - to increase the volume of internal trade between member countries to 10%, Secretary-General of the OTS Kubanychbek Omuraliev said in an interview with Eureporter, Report informs.

"Intra-trade between the OTS Member States currently accounts for only around 7% of that (total trade turnover of OTS Member States in 2024 was $850 billion), or about $58.17 billion. A few years ago, this was only 3%, so we’re seeing encouraging growth. Our goal now is to increase this share to 10% as quickly as possible," he noted.

"To achieve this, we are addressing barriers in transportation and logistics, with long-term projects like the Middle Corridor, a key strategic initiative connecting Asia to Europe. Passing through our member states, it offers unparalleled advantages. It is 2,000 kilometers shorter than the Northern Corridor and can deliver goods from China to Europe three times faster than sea routes—within just 15 days.

Infrastructure enhancements along the Middle Corridor are expected to triple the volume of cargo transported by 2030, reaching 11 million tons," he said.

"We have also made significant strides in transport and customs cooperation. Agreements such as the Simplified Customs Corridor, International Combined Freight Transport, and digitalization initiatives like E-Permit, E-CMR, and E-TIR are helping to streamline logistics and enhance trade efficiency. All these efforts are contributing to our broader goal of deepening regional economic integration and improving trade flows among our member states," he added. "We stand ready to serve as a bridge for transit, facilitating not only the movement of goods but also fostering economic cooperation and mutual prosperity between the East and the West."

https://report.az/en/infrastructure/secretary-general-ots-aims-to-increase-domestic-trade-to-10/