The leaders of Turkic nations are meeting in Ankara this week. This summit marks five years since their organization became a full international body. That step gave new energy to their joint work on trade and transportation. Uzbekistan has been a driving force since joining. They have put forward over 85 initiatives to deepen cooperation.
Together, these countries represent a major economic force. Their combined population exceeds 170 million people. Their total economic output is nearing 2.3 trillion dollars. Their trade with the world surpassed 1.2 trillion dollars last year.
For Uzbekistan, the focus is on four key areas. They want:
- Stronger economic ties
- Better transport links
- Closer energy cooperation
- Deeper cultural connections
On the economic front, the goal is to make trade easier. Plans are moving forward to create a free trade zone among the member states. Another priority is simplifying customs procedures and moving them online. Trade between Uzbekistan and the other Turkic states reached 9.6 billion dollars in 2025. This accounted for roughly 12 percent of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade.
Each country brings unique strengths to the table. Turkey has a strong base in machinery, cars, and textiles. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are leaders in energy and metals. Uzbekistan itself is growing its manufacturing in textiles, automobiles, and electronics. These complementary industries create opportunities for joint projects.
One example is a new car factory. An agreement between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will build this plant in Hajigabul, Azerbaijan. Production is scheduled to begin by mid 2027. A new Turkic Investment Fund can support such ventures. With 500 million dollars in capital, the fund aims to modernize production chains, support small businesses, and finance logistics projects.
Transport links are especially vital for Uzbekistan, a landlocked country. They are actively developing new corridors to reach global markets. A key route is the Middle Corridor. It moves goods across the Caspian Sea through Azerbaijan and Georgia, then on to Turkey and Europe. The volume of Uzbek goods shipped on this route doubled over the past five years.
Future projects could expand these connections further. A planned railway linking China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan could eventually plug into this Middle Corridor. This would create a seamless transport route from China through Central Asia and the Caucasus to Europe. Uzbekistan is also pushing to digitize shipping documents and permits to cut costs and transit times.
Energy cooperation is another pillar. The focus is on diversifying supply routes and developing green energy. At a previous summit, Uzbekistan’s president called for a strategic partnership in renewable energy. One ambitious proposed project involves an electricity cable under the Caspian Sea, connecting Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan with Turkish participation. This could one day export green power from the region to Europe. Uzbekistan is also exploring joint projects with Turkish companies on solar and wind farms, energy storage, and grid modernization.
Alongside economics and logistics, cultural ties form a core part of the strategy. Several institutions work to promote the shared Turkic heritage, including TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy. Initiatives range from naming an annual Turkic World Capital of Culture to hosting the Nomad World Games. Uzbekistan has also proposed creating an international award named after the poet Alisher Navoi to honor work that strengthens Turkic unity.
Analysts see the Organization of Turkic States as a crucial tool. For Uzbekistan, it is a means to diversify its economic relationships, expand export markets, and build new transit routes. The joint projects discussed at summits like this one aim to strengthen regional connections and open fresh opportunities for all member nations.
| Country | Strength | Industry Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Machinery | Textiles |
| Kazakhstan | Energy | Metals |
| Azerbaijan | Energy | Metals |
| Uzbekistan | Manufacturing | Textiles |
| Uzbekistan | Manufacturing | Automobiles |
| Uzbekistan | Manufacturing | Electronics |
