Central Asia and Azerbaijan Set New Priorities for Trade, Energy and Transport
Economy
The leaders of Central Asian states and Azerbaijan outlined new areas of economic and infrastructure cooperation at the 8th Consultative Meeting. Key proposals focused on expanding mutual trade, developing transport corridors, energy cooperation, industrial integration and digital tools.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said Baku is working with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to create a green energy corridor. He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role in the transit of energy resources from Central Asia to international markets. According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with Central Asian countries increased by more than 50% last year, while more than 400 companies with capital from the region are operating in the country. Joint investment funds have also been established with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Aliyev also highlighted transport cooperation. He noted the significant growth in cargo transportation across the Caspian Sea and stressed the importance of infrastructure on both shores for connecting Central Asia with Azerbaijan and international markets.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed increasing mutual trade among the countries from the current $13 billion to $20 billion and instructed governments to prepare a joint action plan. He also called for developing trade and logistics hubs, industrial cooperation and transport links, and proposed discussing the integration of the Middle Corridor with the TRIPP initiative.
Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Zhaparov proposed creating a unified electronic trading platform for Central Asia and Azerbaijan, as well as developing joint projects in industry, agriculture, logistics and construction materials. He also highlighted the importance of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and proposed creating a common tourism space based on the principle of “one journey, several countries.”
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed moving from conventional mutual trade to joint production under the formula “six economies — one product.” He also proposed holding a Central Asia–Azerbaijan business forum in Khiva in 2027 and establishing a Platform for Financial and Technical Support of joint investment projects. Other priorities included transport corridors, energy, water-saving technologies, artificial intelligence and cooperation in critical minerals.
Aliyev also highlighted transport cooperation. He noted the significant growth in cargo transportation across the Caspian Sea and stressed the importance of infrastructure on both shores for connecting Central Asia with Azerbaijan and international markets.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed increasing mutual trade among the countries from the current $13 billion to $20 billion and instructed governments to prepare a joint action plan. He also called for developing trade and logistics hubs, industrial cooperation and transport links, and proposed discussing the integration of the Middle Corridor with the TRIPP initiative.
Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Zhaparov proposed creating a unified electronic trading platform for Central Asia and Azerbaijan, as well as developing joint projects in industry, agriculture, logistics and construction materials. He also highlighted the importance of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and proposed creating a common tourism space based on the principle of “one journey, several countries.”
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed moving from conventional mutual trade to joint production under the formula “six economies — one product.” He also proposed holding a Central Asia–Azerbaijan business forum in Khiva in 2027 and establishing a Platform for Financial and Technical Support of joint investment projects. Other priorities included transport corridors, energy, water-saving technologies, artificial intelligence and cooperation in critical minerals.
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