14.04.2025 21:10
At the international conference held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, with the participation of think tanks from member countries of the Turkic States Organization, it was reported that the establishment of the Turan Special Economic Zone is planned in the Turkistan region of Kazakhstan.
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An international conference titled "Expanding Trade Potential Among TDT Member Countries: Joint Research and Strategic Solutions" was held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, with the participation of think tanks from countries that are members of the Turkic States Organization (TDT). Many officials and experts from nearly 20 research centers and think tanks from member and observer countries attended the conference.
"THE AIM IS TO FACILITATE TRADE IN THE TDT REGION"
In his opening speech, TDT Deputy Secretary General Merey Mukazhan expressed his satisfaction with being part of this event organized at the initiative of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, stating that their aim is to facilitate trade in the TDT region, increase mutual trade volume, advance economic integration, expand trade cooperation, and create suitable mechanisms to strengthen the competitiveness of national economies.
'TURAN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE' IS BEING ESTABLISHED
Mukazhan stated that these countries, with a total population of 175 million, have significant economic potential, and important steps have been taken in recent years to strengthen cooperation among TDT countries and increase their influence on the world stage. He noted that they have established various cooperation mechanisms, including the Union of Turkish Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Turkish Investment Fund, and also mentioned that they plan to establish the Turan Special Economic Zone in Kazakhstan's Turkistan region.
"THE 'CENTRAL CORRIDOR' WILL STRENGTHEN ITS ROLE AS AN IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION HUB IN THE REGION"
Obid Hakimov, the head of the Uzbekistan Economic Research and Reform Center, stated that this conference will provide new opportunities for further developing mutual cooperation among TDT member countries, noting that the national think tank platform of member countries is a unique partnership model capable of implementing various initiatives. He emphasized that trade-economic relations among member countries have strengthened in recent years and highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in transportation and transit among member countries, as well as increasing the competitiveness of the Trans-Caspian international transport corridor, known as the "Central Corridor," which connects Asia and Europe through Central Asia, stating, "The Central Corridor will serve to strengthen the region's role as an important transportation hub."
"WE CAN CREATE AN INTEGRATED REGION AGAINST TODAY'S GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND THREATS"
Hakimov emphasized that trade barriers have created some challenges in increasing cooperation among member countries, hindering the free movement of goods and services, and thus negatively affecting multilateral trade. He stated that by combining existing resources and efforts, based on research and assessments, they can create an integrated region against today's global challenges and threats.
During the conference, sessions were held addressing topics such as the current state of trade among TDT member countries and unexamined opportunities, digital trade and innovation, regional integration and infrastructure projects, sustainable development, green economy, and socio-demographic challenges.
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