Azerbaijan’s accession to Central Asian consultative format opens new trade opportunities

Azerbaijan’s integration as a full participant in the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State marks a new milestone in deepening ties between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian Heads of State in Tashkent.

Mirziyoyev highlighted that Azerbaijan’s inclusion creates unique opportunities to expand trade, economic, and cultural cooperation while fostering a unified space for joint development and sustainable growth, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

This strategic step, he added, strengthens regional connectivity and lays the foundation for increased investment, trade, and major infrastructure projects.

Among the priorities outlined by the Uzbek leader are the joint development of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway routes, the Trans-Afghan transport corridor, and enhanced maritime transport across the Caspian Sea, which will significantly boost the region’s transit potential and economic integration with Europe.

Additionally, the establishment of a new institutional platform, the “Central Asian Union,” and the adoption of a trade and economic cooperation program through 2035, along with a declaration on a common investment space, were proposed to increase mutual trade by 1.5–2 times.

Mirziyoyev also stressed the importance of involving Afghanistan in regional projects and security initiatives to strengthen stability across the cooperation zone.

By Khagan Isayev