Turkic States Discuss New Mechanisms for Economic Integration
World
The second International Conference of Leading National Think Tanks of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku on September 16, bringing together experts to discuss economic integration, trade, investment, digital transformation and the development of the Middle Corridor.
OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev stressed the role of think tanks, universities and research institutions in joint studies, data exchange and evidence-based policy recommendations. According to figures presented at the conference, the combined GDP of OTS member and observer states exceeded $2.4 trillion in 2025, while their trade turnover was about $1.27 trillion and their population exceeded 180 million.
The Middle Corridor, trade and economic relations, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development were among the main topics. The conference was jointly organized by Azerbaijan’s Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication and the OTS Secretariat, with representatives of more than 30 think tanks taking part.
Kürşad Zorlu, Deputy Chairman of Türkiye’s Justice and Development Party, announced that Türkiye had prepared a project for a joint Development Bank for the Turkic world. The proposed initial capital is at least $1 billion. Turkic states, international financial institutions and the Turkic Investment Fund could participate in the institution. The bank is envisaged as a potential source of financing for large-scale projects, particularly those linked to the development of the Middle Corridor.
Zorlu also said the proposed bank could provide a foundation for a common integrated payment system and greater use of national currencies in trade. Other areas discussed included extending Middle Corridor transport links toward the Persian Gulf, digital cooperation and the promotion of a common 34-letter Turkic alphabet.
Mirshohid Aslonov, Executive Director of the Center for Progressive Reforms, proposed creating a digital data-exchange system between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Under the proposed model, an exporter would enter cargo information once, after which it could automatically become available to transit and importing countries before the shipment arrives.
The conference featured three panel discussions covering the role of the Middle Corridor, untapped trade opportunities, innovation, digitalisation and sustainable development.
The Middle Corridor, trade and economic relations, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development were among the main topics. The conference was jointly organized by Azerbaijan’s Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication and the OTS Secretariat, with representatives of more than 30 think tanks taking part.
Kürşad Zorlu, Deputy Chairman of Türkiye’s Justice and Development Party, announced that Türkiye had prepared a project for a joint Development Bank for the Turkic world. The proposed initial capital is at least $1 billion. Turkic states, international financial institutions and the Turkic Investment Fund could participate in the institution. The bank is envisaged as a potential source of financing for large-scale projects, particularly those linked to the development of the Middle Corridor.
Zorlu also said the proposed bank could provide a foundation for a common integrated payment system and greater use of national currencies in trade. Other areas discussed included extending Middle Corridor transport links toward the Persian Gulf, digital cooperation and the promotion of a common 34-letter Turkic alphabet.
Mirshohid Aslonov, Executive Director of the Center for Progressive Reforms, proposed creating a digital data-exchange system between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Under the proposed model, an exporter would enter cargo information once, after which it could automatically become available to transit and importing countries before the shipment arrives.
The conference featured three panel discussions covering the role of the Middle Corridor, untapped trade opportunities, innovation, digitalisation and sustainable development.
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