The upcoming official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Türkiye reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. One of the most dynamic areas of this cooperation is labor migration, built on mutual trust and a shared human-centered vision.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has fundamentally transformed its migration policy, placing human dignity, legal employment, and social protection at the core of its reforms. This approach aims to ensure that citizens working abroad do so safely, legally, and with full respect for their rights.

Cooperation with Türkiye exemplifies this new philosophy. The entry into force of the bilateral agreement on the protection of the rights of labor migrants and their family members marked a significant milestone in strengthening legal and institutional guarantees for migrants.

Regular dialogue between migration and labor authorities, joint forums, and practical coordination mechanisms have contributed to more orderly and transparent labor mobility. Notably, agreements reached to legalize the status of Uzbek citizens without administrative penalties, particularly in sectors with high labor demand, demonstrate a shared commitment to humane and pragmatic solutions.

Another key dimension of cooperation is skills recognition and certification. Collaboration with Türkiye’s professional qualification institutions enables Uzbek citizens to obtain internationally recognized certificates, enhancing their employability both in Türkiye and beyond.

Partnerships with leading Turkish companies further expand legal employment opportunities, including participation in large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. These initiatives are complemented by the active role of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency representation in Türkiye, which provides legal, social, and advisory assistance to citizens and safeguards their rights.

Today, negotiations have begun between the two countries on developing a “Social Protection” agreement. Through this agreement, Uzbek citizens working in Türkiye and Turkish citizens working in Uzbekistan will be able to reclaim their social insurance contributions. This will allow workers to formalize their employment and secure legal protections.

Uzbekistan and Türkiye view labor migration not as a challenge, but as a driver of development, stability, and human well-being. The forthcoming presidential visit is expected to elevate this cooperation to a new level, reinforcing a model of migration governance rooted in humanity and mutual benefit.

On November 15, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on issues of uninterrupted energy supply to the population and sectors of the economy, improving efficiency at enterprises in the sphere.

The relevant tasks were identified at a video conference held on June 10. Today, the responsible persons reported on the work accomplished in fulfillment of these tasks and preparations for the autumn-winter season.

It was noted that gas is supplied in volumes commensurate with the growing demand of the population and sectors of the economy. As a result of the modernization of industries and increasing the energy efficiency of the economy, there is a decrease in losses. For example, in recent years, gas consumption for the production of industrial products has decreased by 1.6 times.

There is still a lot of work ahead. It is necessary to ensure a stable supply of energy to the population in the current season and subsequent years, and prepare a sufficient reserve for this.

These issues were discussed in the context of industries at the meeting.

According to calculations, 21 billion cubic meters of gas will be supplied to consumers this year during the winter season. If the air temperature drops sharply, the population's demand will increase even more. The responsible persons outlined a plan of action in such a situation by month and by district.

A separate reserve is provided for uninterrupted power supply to social institutions and enterprises. A system has been created for the targeted supply of natural gas to thermal power plants, chemical and metallurgical enterprises, as well as gas filling stations.

It was pointed out that it is necessary to resolutely continue the work started on accounting and control of gas in industries and further reduce losses. The task has been set to implement the identified gas saving opportunities in Andijan, Navoi and Tashkent regions, as well as other regions.

The Head of State gave instructions to responsible persons on organizing work at the level of districts and mahallas, solving issues related to energy supply directly on the ground, coordinating demand and consumption, and preventing interruptions.

The meeting also touched upon the processes of transformation in the gas sector. It was decided that industry enterprises will enter the international financial market and independently raise funds for modernization.

Digitalization and public-private partnerships offer the greatest opportunities in updating and regulating gas supply networks. In this regard, proposals were considered to attract private operators to the industry.

The President instructed to reduce the costs in the context of each industry and enterprises, optimize costs and accelerate the transformation process. The importance of expanding exploration activities with the involvement of leading foreign companies was emphasized.

You can read more details in the file below!

Today, a new and ambitious strategic direction is emerging on the global energy map. The strategic partnership established between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan is a historic step that serves not only to strengthen regional energy security but also to elevate the global "green" transformation to a new level. At the heart of this ambitious initiative lies, first and foremost, the mutual trust, strong friendship, and high responsibility of the leaders of the three brotherly states toward future generations.

Uzbekistan's Green Development Strategy

In recent years, large-scale and intensive reforms on the use of renewable energy sources have been implemented in Uzbekistan. To date, 15 solar and 5 wind power plants with a total capacity of 5,582 MW have been commissioned in various regions of the country, producing "green" energy for the country's population and economy. Notably, the capacity of solar photovoltaic plants is 3,930 MW, and wind power plants are 1,652 MW. To ensure the stability of the energy supply, 12 additional energy storage systems with a total capacity of 1,545 MW were also commissioned.

Looking at the figures, in 2025 alone, solar and wind power plants managed to generate 10.5 billion kWh of electricity. From the beginning of 2026 to April 15, this figure exceeded 2.5 billion kWh, and the goal is to increase it to 15 billion kWh by the end of the year. By 2030, Uzbekistan will become a true "green" energy hub: the total capacity of solar and wind power plants will reach 21 GW, and 54% of the total electricity generated in the country will come from renewable sources. As a result, 18 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be saved annually, and the emission of 25 million tons of harmful gases into the atmosphere will be prevented.

Regional Solidarity: The Brothers' Strategic Choice

Relations with the countries of the region, especially with our close neighbor and strategic partner Kazakhstan, are of decisive importance in achieving such high milestones. During the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Uzbekistan, the leaders of the two countries outlined future priorities for the development of sectors, in particular, energy. These friendly relations guarantee the energy stability not only of the two countries but of the entire region.

Thanks to the far-sighted policy and friendship of the heads of state of the three countries—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan—the "Green Corridor" project is being implemented. This path, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2024, was further strengthened by the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by the Presidents of the three countries at the COP-29 international summit in Baku in November of the same year. This historic document marked the beginning of a new era not only in energy production but also in the field of energy transmission.

"Green Corridor" - practical steps towards the future

The practical stages of the project are proceeding consistently. Within the framework of the founding agreement signed on December 27, 2024, the national operators of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan - JSC "National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan," JSC "KEGOC," and JSC "Azerenerji" - united for a common goal. Negotiations held in early 2025 in Tashkent with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once again proved the project's international prestige.

The establishment of the Green Corridor Alliance Limited Liability Company in Baku on July 1, 2025, laid the institutional foundation for the project. The world-renowned Italian company CESI has been involved in developing the project's feasibility study, which, according to the agreement signed with the Asian Development Bank, will be submitted by the beginning of 2027. Currently, specialists from the three countries, together with CESI, are working on a complete model (technical and economic basis) of the project.

In conclusion, this strategic partnership is not only an important pillar for exporting "green" energy to Europe but also for the transition of Central Asia and the Caspian region to a unified, environmentally friendly, and digital energy system. There is no doubt that the friendly will of the heads of state and the spirit of regional solidarity will make Uzbekistan one of the most reliable and major players in the global energy market in the future.

Ministry of Energy

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Over the past few years, Central Asia and the Caucasus have emerged as some of the fastest-growing regions in technology and innovation. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan are increasingly strengthening their positions on the global startup map, attracting international investors, technology companies, and entrepreneurs. One of the key platforms bringing together the region’s innovation ecosystem has become the international INMerge summit.

What is INMerge?

INMerge is an international innovation summit that brings together startups, investors, corporations, government representatives, and technology communities from across Central Eurasia. Over the past five years, the project has evolved from a relatively small corporate gathering into one of the region’s leading technology forums.

Today, INMerge hosts participants from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Türkiye, and other countries. Discussions focus on investment, artificial intelligence, startup development, digital infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration. Most importantly, however, the forum helps transform networking opportunities and ideas into real partnerships, projects, and investment deals.

In 2026, INMerge expanded beyond a single-city format by launching a regional Roadshow initiative. Ahead of the main summit, the team is organizing a series of events across key locations in the region. One of the central stops became Tashkent — a city that clearly demonstrated how rapidly Central Asia’s role in the global technology landscape is evolving.

Today, the three countries are shaping a new regional ecosystem, where each contributes its own strategic strengths.

Uzbekistan is now considered one of the fastest-growing tech markets in the region. Over the past year, venture investment volumes increased more than fivefold, the number of startups doubled to over 950, and Tashkent entered the world’s top 100 startup ecosystems for the first time. The country is actively opening up to international investors and steadily becoming a new destination for technology-driven businesses. Uzbekistan is already home to two unicorns.

Kazakhstan continues to focus on infrastructure development and a systematic approach to building its startup ecosystem. The country is developing a large-scale $1 billion fund of funds and has spent several years consistently creating conditions that allow startups to scale not only domestically, but internationally as well. Kazakhstan has also produced two unicorns.

In 2024, IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub took another important step toward regional integration by launching the Central Asian Innovation Hubs initiative. The platform opened access for Central Asian startups to joint programs, international venues, and global accelerators. Today, Azerbaijan is increasingly exploring participation in this ecosystem, gradually contributing to the formation of a unified technological space connecting Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Azerbaijan, in turn, is becoming a platform that connects different markets and innovation communities. Baku was recently named Startup City of the Year, while INMerge Ventures became one of the country’s first locally registered venture capital funds. The city is now emerging as a hub for dialogue between corporations, investors, and technology teams from across the broader region.

At INMerge, this evolving dynamic is described as an “innovation corridor.” It is not simply about neighboring countries collaborating — it is about creating a shared ecosystem where ideas, technologies, investments, and talent can move freely across borders.

From Local Startups to the Global Stage

For startups today, building a product is no longer enough. Founders also need access to investors, strategic networks, and international markets. This is why platforms like INMerge are becoming increasingly important across the region.

One of the clearest examples is the startup competition held in Tashkent. Winners receive not only visibility and recognition, but also the opportunity to present their projects at the final summit in Baku before international investors and major corporations. This model helps connect local ecosystems into a larger regional network, giving young startups a real opportunity for international growth.

The final stage of INMerge will take place on October 8–9 in Baku, bringing together startup founders, investors, corporate leaders, and government officials who are actively shaping the future of Central Eurasia’s innovation economy.

A region that until recently remained outside the global technology spotlight is steadily becoming a new center of growth. And today, INMerge is playing a key role in accelerating that transformation.

1. Introduction

Central and South Asia form one of Eurasia’s most significant geographic junctions. Central Asia connects the continent’s east–west and north–south routes, while South Asia contains one of the world’s largest population bases and consumer markets. Taken together, the countries of the two subregions have a population of more than 2 billion people; however, their direct economic interaction remains below its potential level.

The scale of the potential market is confirmed by the figures: in 2024, the population of South Asia was approximately 1.68 billion people, while the region’s combined GDP was about US$4.5 trillion. At the same time, the economy of the five Central Asian countries in 2024 amounted to approximately US$489 billion. However, the level of interregional integration remains low: even within South Asia, intraregional trade is estimated at around 5% of total trade turnover, which is significantly lower than the ASEAN figure^[1][2][3].

This is evident in trade statistics: Central Asia’s main trade flows continue to be oriented toward Russia, China, the European Union, Türkiye, and the Middle East, while trade with South Asia occupies a comparatively limited niche.

The underused potential is explained not by a lack of demand, but by structural constraints. Between the two subregions, there are mountain barriers, complex cross-border routes, differing levels of integration into international supply chains, non-uniform customs and technical procedures, as well as the Afghanistan factor, which is simultaneously the shortest connecting link and the most sensitive element of the regional architecture. Therefore, the issue of connectivity has not only commercial but also strategic significance.

The restoration of economic ties between Central and South Asia should not be viewed as a romanticized return to historical routes. In modern conditions, it is a matter of competitiveness, supply-chain security, energy resilience, and diversification of foreign economic directions. For the countries of Central Asia, the southern route opens shorter access to the ports of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. For the countries of South Asia, it creates an opportunity to gain access to energy resources, food products, industrial goods, and new markets in Eurasia.

Uzbekistan occupies a special place in this logic. It is located in the central part of the region, borders all Central Asian states and Afghanistan, and therefore is capable of forming a link between the internal markets of Central Asia and the southern direction. At the same time, the role of a connector state means more than the transit of goods. It includes the coordination of infrastructure projects, the development of logistics services, the improvement of institutional quality, the creation of an analytical basis for decision-making, and the involvement of the private sector in interregional projects.

2. Historical and geographical preconditions for connectivity

The historical connection between Central and South Asia was formed long before the emergence of modern state borders. The cities of Transoxiana, Khorasan, Bactria, and northern India were part of a network of caravan routes and exchanges of artisanal goods, knowledge, religious traditions, and financial practices. Samarkand, Bukhara, Balkh, Merv, Kabul, Peshawar, and Lahore, in different periods, served as trade and cultural hubs linking the Eurasian space.

However, historical connectedness does not automatically translate into economic integration today. Modern supply chains depend on railways, highways, ports, energy networks, digital cargo-tracking systems, insurance, banking settlements, and predictable rules. Where even one of these elements is absent, transit becomes expensive, slow, and risky.

The geography of the region creates both incentives and constraints. On the one hand, the distance from Uzbekistan’s southern borders to northern Afghanistan is relatively short, and the route through Afghanistan is potentially the shortest overland path from Central Asia to Pakistan and onward to the ports of the Indian Ocean. On the other hand, mountain ranges, differences in railway gauge, the limited capacity of border infrastructure, security issues, and insufficient standardization of procedures increase the cost of projects.

Uzbekistan’s geographical role has not only qualitative but also measurable significance: the country is one of only two double-landlocked states in the world and, at the same time, the only state bordering all four other Central Asian countries as well as Afghanistan. In this context, the Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar railway project, with a length of approximately 573 km, acquires systemic importance, since it could reduce the time and cost of transportation toward Pakistan’s ports by roughly 30%^[4].

Therefore, connectivity should be understood more broadly than the physical connection of two points on a map. In the modern economy, it includes four dimensions. The first is infrastructural: roads, railways, terminals, ports, and energy networks. The second is institutional: customs, tariffs, standards, sanitary and phytosanitary rules, permits, and transit guarantees. The third is commercial: demand, purchasing power, contracts, logistics companies, insurance, and banking channels. The fourth is social and humanitarian: education, labor skills, tourism, medical ties, and research cooperation.

This approach helps avoid oversimplification. Even the shortest road will not become a sustainable corridor unless it is supported by a reliable legal environment, competitive tariffs, financial guarantees, and coordination among states.

3. Current state of trade and economic cooperation

Trade and economic ties between Central and South Asia are developing, but their scale still does not correspond to the size of the markets. Trade between Central Asian countries and India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan remains relatively modest compared with their trade with China, Russia, the European Union, Türkiye, and countries of the Middle East.

Central Asia supplies, or could potentially expand supplies to South Asia, in such areas as agricultural products, grain, fruit and vegetable products, textiles, fertilizers, energy goods, certain types of metals, and industrial raw materials. South Asia, primarily India and Pakistan, holds competitive positions in pharmaceuticals, medical goods, IT services, equipment, textile products, processed food products, and consumer goods.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been strengthening the southern direction of its foreign economic policy. Trade ties with India and Pakistan are developing through pharmaceuticals, textiles, food products, services, logistics, and investment projects. Uzbekistan’s foreign trade in the southern direction is already growing, but it still occupies a limited place in the overall structure of foreign trade. The largest trade flows with South Asian countries are with Afghanistan and India. However, the very fact that certain bilateral flows are growing does not solve the main problem: interregional trade remains fragmented. In order to turn it into a sustainable market, it is necessary to reduce transaction costs, ensure the predictability of transit, make standards comparable, and develop business services.

The issue of trade data is especially important. Mutual trade is often assessed using different sources, while the statistics of exporting countries and importing countries may diverge. To develop effective policy, a regularly updated data panel is needed, broken down by corridors, types of cargo, border-crossing times, transportation costs, return loads, the number of permits, and the actual use of preferential regimes. Without such a database, regional initiatives risk remaining merely declaratory.

4. Transport and logistics infrastructure as the basis of connectivity

Transport infrastructure is the material foundation for the rapprochement of Central and South Asia. At the same time, it is more accurate to speak not of a single route, but of a portfolio of corridors. Relying on only one route increases the vulnerability of the entire system. A diversified network of routes through Afghanistan, Iran, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, and existing Eurasian directions creates redundancy, reduces risks, and strengthens the negotiating position of shippers.

The key project in the southern direction remains the trans-Afghan railway corridor Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar. Its strategic value lies in its potential to connect Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries with Pakistan’s ports, including Karachi, Qasim, and Gwadar. If implemented, such a corridor could reduce the distance and delivery time for certain types of cargo. However, the project requires the resolution of several complex issues: financing, security, technical parameters, railway gauge compatibility, the operating model, tariffs, and the distribution of risks among participants.

The Termez–Hairatan hub in Uzbekistan has particular significance. It is the closest entry point from Uzbekistan into Afghanistan and is already used as a logistics, humanitarian, and trade channel. The development of terminals, warehouses, customs capacities, multimodal transport services, and digital cargo-control systems could turn this hub into a stable anchor point for interregional trade.

Alongside the trans-Afghan route, the route through Iran is also important. For India, Central Asia, and Afghanistan, the Chabahar port is of particular significance, as are its links with the International North–South Transport Corridor and the Ashgabat Agreement. This option does not replace the trans-Afghan route, but it increases the resilience of the trade system. Events of recent years have shown that the closure or restriction of individual routes quickly increases the importance of alternative pathways through Iran and the countries of Central Asia.

Road corridors remain a necessary complement to railways. They are especially important for perishable products, small consignments, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and high-value-added goods. In this area, the key factors are not only roads, but also border procedures, the permit system for carriers, weight control, insurance, the safety of parking areas, and access to backhaul cargo.

The development of air connectivity plays a separate role. Direct flights between Tashkent, Samarkand, Almaty, Astana, Delhi, Mumbai, Lahore, and other cities do not create mass freight logistics, but they reduce barriers to business travel, tourism, education, medical services, and managerial oversight of investment projects. For modern business, such mobility is not a secondary factor, but a systemic one.

5. Energy partnership: from project-based logic to a regional market

Energy is one of the most obvious areas of complementarity between Central and South Asia. The Central Asian countries possess significant resources in natural gas, hydropower, solar power, and wind generation. South Asia, primarily Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, faces high energy demand, seasonal consumption peaks, and the need for a more reliable supply structure.

The most advanced interregional project in the electricity sector is CASA-1000. According to World Bank materials, the project is intended to ensure the transmission of up to 1,300 MW of surplus summer electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The project also provides for high-voltage transmission infrastructure, including power transmission lines and converter stations. Its significance goes beyond the energy sector: it demonstrates the possibility of contract-based electricity trade between the subregions with the participation of international financial institutions.

In the gas sector, the best-known project is TAPI: Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India. Its planned logic is straightforward: Turkmen gas is expected to flow through Afghanistan to the energy-deficient markets of South Asia. Published descriptions of the project usually indicate a length of approximately 1,800 km and a designed capacity of up to 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year. However, TAPI remains a complex project with a high dependence on security, financing, long-term contracts, payment guarantees, and political coordination among the participants.

CASA-1000 has not only political but also measurable infrastructural significance: the project cost is estimated at approximately US$1.2 billion, while the designed transmission capacity is 1,300 MW. The Kyrgyz component provides for around 456 km of 500 kV power transmission lines. This makes it possible to view CASA-1000 as the first major example of contract-based interregional electricity trade between Central and South Asia^[5][6].

The new energy agenda includes not only the export of fuel and electricity, but also the development of low-carbon solutions. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are expanding projects in solar, wind, and hydropower, while also modernizing their grids. In the long term, South Asia could become a market for seasonal electricity and energy services from Central Asia. However, this requires rules for cross-border trade, compatible dispatch mechanisms, commercial guarantees, transparent tariffs, and investment in grid resilience.

Energy cooperation must take into account climate and water-related factors. In Central Asia, hydropower is closely linked to irrigation and water resource management. In South Asia, electricity demand depends on temperature peaks, urbanization, and industrial growth. Therefore, energy projects should be accompanied by mechanisms for climate adaptation, forecasting water availability, improving energy efficiency, and developing energy storage systems.

6. Investment cooperation and business ties

Investment cooperation between Central and South Asia is still developing on a case-by-case basis, but it has significant potential. Unlike trade in raw materials, investment requires a higher level of trust, legal certainty, protection of property rights, clear tax regimes, access to foreign-exchange settlements, and high-quality business information.

The most promising areas include pharmaceuticals, medical services, agro-processing, textiles, logistics, warehouse infrastructure, IT services, education, tourism, financial technologies, renewable energy, and the production of components for infrastructure projects. South Asian companies have strong competencies in IT, pharmaceuticals, and services, while Central Asia offers access to raw materials, industrial sites, growing domestic markets, and transit opportunities.

An important task is to move from one-off business contacts to a systematic investment pipeline. This requires project catalogues, clear requirements for investors, standardized public-private partnership models, dispute-resolution mechanisms, insurance against political and commercial risks, and joint workforce training programs.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are of particular importance. Large infrastructure projects create the foundation, but it is small and medium-sized businesses that fill corridors with real goods and services. For them, access to information, affordable logistics services, digital marketplaces, simplified payments, standardized documents, and support in entering a new market are critical.

Development institutions and international financial organizations can play a catalytic role. Their participation reduces risks, improves the quality of project preparation, and disciplines the participants. However, external financing does not replace national reforms. Without clear rules, transparent statistics, and effective courts, even concessional loans will not create a sustainable flow of investment.

7. The strategic role of Uzbekistan as a connector state

Uzbekistan possesses a unique set of preconditions for playing the role of a connector state. It is located at the center of Central Asia, borders all the countries of the region as well as Afghanistan, and is also a major demographic and industrial market. For a country without access to the sea, the development of external corridors is not an optional task, but a condition for long-term competitiveness.

Uzbekistan’s role is not limited to transit. A transit country earns revenue from the movement of goods, but a connector state shapes rules, services, trust, and the institutional environment. This means developing multimodal hubs, creating logistics centers, digitalizing customs procedures, expanding railway and road links, training personnel, attracting banks and insurance organizations, and providing analytical support for projects.

The southern direction strengthens Uzbekistan’s foreign economic diversification. It complements the country’s already existing links in the northern, eastern, and western directions. At the same time, the diversification of routes reduces dependence on individual markets and transit pathways, which is especially important amid instability in global trade, changes in tariff policy, and geopolitical restrictions.

Termez occupies a special place in this strategy. It can serve as a border logistics center, a platform for trade with Afghanistan, a hub of humanitarian and commercial infrastructure, and a symbolic space for discussing connectivity between Central and South Asia. To turn this role into a sustainable result, investment is needed in terminals, railway approaches, warehouse capacity, services for carriers, and a system for analyzing cargo flows.

Uzbekistan’s strength also lies in its ability to put forward multilateral initiatives. Interregional connectivity cannot be implemented through bilateral agreements alone. It requires the alignment of interests among the countries of Central Asia, the countries of South Asia, Afghanistan, international financial institutions, business, and the expert community. In this sphere, Uzbekistan can act as a coordinator of the agenda and a provider of analytical solutions.

8. Key barriers and ways to overcome them

The first barrier is incomplete infrastructure. Many corridors exist in the form of project concepts or partially functioning routes. To transform them into commercially sustainable directions, technical and economic feasibility studies, agreed tariffs, clear sources of financing, unified operational models, and transparent risk allocation are required.

The second barrier is security and the predictability of transit. For business, what matters is not only the length of the route, but also the likelihood of delays, losses, border closures, changes in rules, and additional payments. Therefore, transport policy should include insurance mechanisms, security standards, corridor monitoring, crisis protocols, and regular information exchange among government agencies.

The third barrier is administrative fragmentation. Different documents, uncoordinated customs procedures, weak advance declaration, the absence of mutual recognition of certain certificates, and limited digital interoperability increase the cost of trade. The solution lies in the transition to electronic transport documents, the expansion of the single-window principle, the introduction of risk-based control, and the coordination of technical standards.

The scale of the financial challenge can be assessed through the example of CAREC: in 2021–2024, transport investment under the program amounted to US$8.61 billion, with a significant share of financing provided by international partners. This shows that infrastructure corridors require not only a political decision, but also a sustainable financial architecture^[7][8].

Administrative barriers have a measurable expression. According to CAREC monitoring, in 2022, the average border-crossing time on road corridors was 9.9 hours, while on railway corridors it was 40.6 hours. This confirms that the digitalization of documents, advance declaration, and risk-based control can produce an effect even without the immediate construction of new arterial routes.

The fourth barrier is financial constraints. Infrastructure projects require large capital investments and have long payback periods. A combination of budget funds, loans from international financial organizations, public-private partnerships, guarantees, project financing, and blended-finance mechanisms is needed. At the same time, each project must undergo an assessment of commercial viability, not only political attractiveness.

The fifth barrier is the lack of market information. Companies often do not know potential partners, market requirements, logistics tariffs, certification rules, or available financial instruments. This barrier can be reduced through digital trade platforms, business missions, sectoral catalogues, regular exhibitions, analytical reviews, and consulting centers under chambers of commerce and industry.

The sixth barrier is climate and resource-related risks. Mountainous areas, droughts, floods, changes in glacial runoff, and extreme weather events affect roads, energy, and agriculture. New corridors should be designed with climate resilience in mind, while energy projects should take into account the water balance and the seasonality of demand.

Practical priorities through 2030

9. The Termez Dialogue as an institutional foundation for cooperation

The Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia can become an important institutional platform for coordinating the interregional agenda. In 2025, the first dialogue was held in Termez, dedicated to the formation of a shared space of peace, friendship, and prosperity. The very choice of Termez emphasizes the city’s practical role as Uzbekistan’s southern hub and as a symbolic point of connection with Afghanistan and South Asia.

The effectiveness of such a format will depend on whether it can move from general statements to the management of a project-based agenda. For this purpose, it would be advisable to structure the dialogue around four permanent tracks: transport and logistics, trade and standards, energy and climate, and investment and human capital. Each track should have a project map, progress indicators, responsible participants, and a mechanism for annual updates.

The participation of business is of particular importance. States can sign framework documents, but real demand for corridors is generated by exporters, importers, carriers, banks, insurance companies, terminal operators, and manufacturing enterprises. Therefore, within the framework of the Termez Dialogue, business sessions, B2B platforms, sectoral presentations, and discussions of specific barriers faced by companies are necessary.

The expert track should serve as an evidence base. It can prepare an annual report on the state of connectivity between Central and South Asia, a corridor-readiness index, monitoring of transportation time and costs, a review of regulatory barriers, analysis of investment projects, and recommendations for governments. In this area, Uzbekistan’s analytical institutions can play a leading role.

The Termez Dialogue is also important as an instrument for involving Afghanistan in economic processes on a pragmatic basis. This is not a matter of political legitimization, but of reducing economic isolation, developing transit procedures, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and creating incentives for stability. This logic corresponds to the interests of all participants, since Afghanistan’s economic predictability directly affects the cost and security of interregional routes.

10. Connectivity and the Sustainable Development Goals

Economic connectivity between Central and South Asia is directly linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The development of energy networks supports SDG 7, the expansion of trade and employment corresponds to SDG 8, the construction of resilient infrastructure is linked to SDG 9, the reduction of spatial isolation contributes to SDG 10, climate resilience relates to SDG 13, and regional coordination and partnerships correspond to SDG 16 and SDG 17.

However, the link with the SDGs does not arise automatically. Infrastructure can promote development, but it can also deepen inequality if benefits accrue only to major actors while local communities bear the costs. Therefore, projects should include environmental assessment, social safeguards, consultations with the population, management of land-related issues, occupational safety measures, and transparent compensation mechanisms.

Special attention should be paid to women, youth, and small enterprises. New corridors create demand for services in logistics, trade, catering, repair, digital support, education, and tourism. If access to these opportunities is opened to local entrepreneurs, infrastructure will become a source of inclusive growth, not merely transit rent.

Climate risk is already becoming an economic factor. According to World Bank estimates, by 2030, nearly 90% of South Asia’s population may be exposed to intense heat, while more than one fifth of the population may face the risk of severe flooding. For Central Asia, the key constraint is water: in Uzbekistan, the volume of water withdrawal significantly exceeds internal renewable resources, and the current water deficit may increase to 7 billion m³ by 2030 and to 15 billion m³ by 2050^[9][10][11].

The climate dimension of connectivity is becoming increasingly important. South Asia and Central Asia are exposed to the risks of extreme weather events, glacier melt, droughts, floods, and tensions around water. Therefore, new roads, railways, power transmission lines, and logistics centers should be designed with long-term climate scenarios in mind. For the energy sector, this means combining electricity trade, energy efficiency, renewable sources, and grid resilience.

From the standpoint of sustainable development, the most promising model is not one of raw-material transit, but one of value-added creation. This implies agro-processing, industrial cooperation, service chains, digital trade, the localization of selected industries, and workforce training. In this case, connectivity is transformed from the movement of goods into a mechanism of structural modernization.

11. Conclusion

Economic connectivity between Central and South Asia is one of the key conditions for the sustainable development of the macroregion. It is capable of expanding sales markets, reducing transport isolation, strengthening energy security, supporting employment, and creating new incentives for regional stability. At the same time, the expected effect depends not on a single project, but on a coordinated package of measures.

The main practical conclusion is the need for a portfolio approach. The trans-Afghan railway, the route through Iran, road corridors, air connectivity, the CASA-1000 and TAPI energy projects, trade digitalization, logistics hubs, and investment platforms should be viewed as mutually complementary elements. Each of them has different implementation timelines, risks, and economic logic; therefore, the regional strategy should ensure redundancy and flexibility.

Uzbekistan has objective advantages for the role of a connector state. Its geography, demographic potential, industrial base, southern hub in Termez, and active foreign economic agenda make it possible to bring together the interests of Central and South Asia.

The Termez Dialogue can become a platform where political will is translated into project-level discipline. For this to happen, it should generate not only declarations, but also a list of projects, indicators, road maps, evaluation mechanisms, and permanent channels of interaction among business, experts, and government agencies.

In the long term, connectivity between Central and South Asia should be oriented not only toward increasing trade volumes, but also toward improving the quality of development. A sustainable macroregion will take shape where infrastructure is connected with institutions, energy with climate responsibility, trade with industrial cooperation, and diplomatic initiatives with evidence-based analysis and practical results.

Muhammad Babadjanov,

Head of Department

at The Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies

under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan

[1] https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/south-asia-regional-integration/trade

[2] https://data.worldbank.org/?locations=TJ-UZ-KZ-TM-KG

[3] https://data.worldbank.org/country/south-asia

[4] https://uzembassy.kz/en/article/the-mazar-i-sharif-kabul-peshawar-railway-will-open-up-broad-prospects-for-international-trade

[5] https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/afghanistan/brief/updated-q-a-on-casa-1000-resumption-in-afghanistan

[6] https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/11/01/additional-financing-for-casa-1000-project-for-the-kyrgyz-republic

[7] https://www.carecprogram.org/uploads/03-CAREC-Transport-Strategy-2030-Midterm-Review-Draft-Report.pdf

[8] https://cpmm.carecprogram.org/2022-report/key-results/

[9] https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/06/03/climate-resilience-in-south-asia-will-be-private-sector-led

[10] https://data.worldbank.org/country/uzbekistan

[11] https://www.adb.org/news/features/numbers-climate-change-central-asia

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been informed of the work being done in the spiritual and educational sphere.

The main priority of transformations in multi-ethnic Uzbekistan is the comprehensive protection of the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. And one of the inalienable rights is freedom of religion. Therefore, all conditions are being created in our country so that believers can perform rituals and observe religious traditions.

It is worth emphasizing that the policy of New Uzbekistan in this area is receiving great recognition not only among our people, but also among the international community.

Thus, if in the early years of Uzbekistan's independence the number of compatriots honored with the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina could be counted on fingers, these days more than 15 thousand Uzbeks are performing the sacred rites.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev's greeting to our people on the occasion of Kurban Hayit, his conversation with Chairman of the Muslim Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Khaliknazar on the pilgrimage of our compatriots have become one of the brightest pages of this year's Hajj season.

In a short period of time, Uzbekistan has created a comprehensive system of training qualified personnel in the religious and educational sphere. In order to study and popularize the rich scientific heritage of our scholars, research centers have been launched. Examples of this are the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Mir Arab Higher Madrasa, the School of Hadith Studies, and the international research centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Moturidi. Large-scale renovation and improvement of Imam Bukhari memorial complex is underway.

During today's meeting it was emphasized the necessity of wider study and propaganda of works of these great thinkers among the population, especially among the youth. Since it is in them that the true meaning of Islam, enlightening ideas of the Muslim religion are laid down. And it is especially actual now, in our troubled time, when all over the world various forces try to distort the essence of religion and to lead young people off the true path.

It was noted a great role in this work and those who now make pilgrimage in sacred Mecca. The pilgrims have recently made an appeal, where they expressed their readiness to contribute to the spiritual education of the younger generation in their districts, in their mahallas.

Also at the meeting, the head of state stressed that an important role in these processes should be played by the Center of Islamic Civilization, the activities of which will serve to widely acquaint our people and foreign guests with the invaluable heritage of ancestors, to promote the ideas of enlightened Islam. At present, scientists-historians and theologians are working on filling the activities of the center with new content.

Information about further plans of the center's activity was heard.

The exhibition will bring together more than 100 companies and brands from 12 countries.

The specialised international exhibition of the beauty, cosmetology, and perfumery-cosmetics industry – Beauty Uzbekistan 2026 – will take place from April 28 to April 30 at the CAEx Uzbekistan exhibition complex in Tashkent.

Beauty Uzbekistan is a professional B2B exhibition that brings together manufacturers and distributors of cosmetic products, aesthetic medicine specialists, retail representatives, salon business owners, and professionals in the personal care sector. The exhibition provides direct access to leading global brands, innovative products, and cutting-edge technologies, while offering valuable opportunities to establish business connections, and gain early insight into key trends in the beauty industry.

The exhibition will feature more than 100 companies and brands from 12 countries: Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Korea, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Spain, UAE, and Uzbekistan. National pavilions from the Republic of Korea and Poland will showcase advanced beauty industry solutions and the export potential of these countries.

According to the organizers, the main sections of the exhibition are:

- Beauty Uzbekistan – covering the full spectrum of the perfumery and cosmetics industry, including makeup and skincare cosmetics, fragrances, personal care products, and hair industry products.

- Beauty Derma Central Asia – a dedicated segment focused on aesthetic medicine, device-based cosmetology, and anti-ageing solutions. This section of the exhibition will present advanced technologies for clinics and industry professionals, including injectable treatments, as well as next-generation laser and energy-based technologies.

Traditionally, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive business programme, including specialised seminars, expert-led sessions, and professional discussions.

Dedicated programme segments will address key developments in aesthetic medicine, balneology, and SPA industry, including scientific approaches in aesthetic medicine (CYTOLIFE / MedTenderGroup, Russia), as well as advanced solutions in balneological equipment and hydrotherapy technologies (Physiotechnika, Russia).

A specialised session on fragrance solutions presented by the Swiss Company LUZI may be of particular interest to industry professional and household chemical manufacturers.

Beauty Uzbekistan 2026 is more than just an exhibition — it is a dynamic professional platform where business, medicine, technology, and the latest beauty trends converge. 

The event is organised by Iteca Exhibitions, an international exhibition company, in partnership with ICA Eurasia Group, informed that one can register to visit the exhibition on the website: www.beautypro.uz.

IA “Dunyo”

On September 20-24, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a working visit to the city of New York to attend the events of the 80th jubilee session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the press service of the Head of our state, President of Uzbekistan will deliver a keynote address on the first day of organizing the general debate of the UN General Assembly plenary session.

It’s noteworthy that during the current jubilee session of the UNGA topical issues of ensuring global security and stability, achieving Sustainable Development Goals, reforming the system of the UN and international financial architecture, combatting the consequences of climate change and other modern challenges, will be reviewed.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Leader of Uzbekistan will hold talks with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, heads of foreign states and governments, leaders of authoritative international financial institutions. 

In the framework of the business program in the United States, it’s planned to hold meetings and events with participation of the leading American companies and financial-investment structures. It’s planned to sign a package of new agreements and contracts.

From 3 to 6 May 2026, Samarkand will host the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event is expected to bring together heads of banking and financial institutions from 69 member countries, as well as representatives of international organizations. Discussions will focus on the key development challenges facing the countries of Asia and possible ways to address them.

The holding of such a high-level forum in Uzbekistan reflects the growing recognition of the country’s ongoing economic reforms and the strengthening of its position within the global financial system. A significant factor has also been the notable expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB in recent years, as evidenced by a number of objective international assessments of the country’s socio-economic development.

First, there has been a steady rise in Uzbekistan’s international standing and stronger performance in global rankings. In particular, in the Government Technology Maturity Index published by the World Bank, the country advanced by 71 positions, entering the world’s top ten.

Second, despite continuing disruptions in global production and transport-logistics chains, rising commodity prices, and tighter financial conditions, Uzbekistan continues to demonstrate устойчивый economic growth. In 2025, for the first time in the country’s history, gross domestic product exceeded USD 145 billion, while gold and foreign exchange reserves surpassed USD 60 billion.

At the same time, the volume of attracted foreign investment increased significantly, reaching USD 43.1 billion, while the share of investment in GDP exceeded 31 percent. Moreover, despite growing protectionism and sanctions pressure in the global trading system, the republic increased exports by 23 percent, bringing them to USD 33.4 billion.

Third, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB is comprehensive and long-term in nature. The total portfolio of joint initiatives amounts to 174 projects worth USD 27.5 billion, of which 66 projects worth USD 10.5 billion have already been completed, while another 30 projects valued at USD 4.6 billion are currently under implementation. These figures confirm the ADB’s status as one of Uzbekistan’s leading development partners.

Building on accumulated experience, the ADB launched a new five-year partnership strategy with Uzbekistan in August 2024 for the period 2024–2028. Its key priorities include supporting the republic’s transition toward a green and inclusive economy, enhancing private sector competitiveness, and stimulating investment in human capital.

In addition, Uzbekistan and the ADB approved a Memorandum of Understanding for 2026–2028, which envisages the implementation of 28 projects with a total value of USD 4.2 billion.

The fact that the meeting is being held in Uzbekistan positions the country as a regional hub for dialogue on development and investment, demonstrates the progress of reforms, and contributes to attracting global partners to accelerate the country’s sustainable development. According to experts, the meeting will serve as an important platform for strengthening cooperation and concluding priority agreements between the Government of Uzbekistan and the ADB.

Furthermore, in order to consolidate long-term priorities, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward an initiative to mark the Samarkand summit with the signing of an important document — the Expanded Strategic Partnership Programme with the ADB for 2027–2030. It will serve as a medium-term roadmap, with primary emphasis placed on human capital and social resilience.

Thus, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB has evolved from financial assistance into a strategic partnership. Today, the Bank finances key projects, shapes the reform agenda, and supports the long-term transformation of the national economy, effectively acting as an institutional partner.

Such cooperation opens a number of significant advantages for Uzbekistan:

Economic – access to concessional loans and grants, reduced budgetary burden in implementing large-scale programmes, improvement of the investment climate and inflow of long-term foreign investment, infrastructure development, and employment growth;

Structural – acceleration of market reforms, liberalization and diversification of the economy, and private sector development;

Strategic – integration into the global economy, transition to a green growth model, and participation in regional value chains and transport-logistics corridors.

As can be seen, the modern ADB agenda largely coincides with Uzbekistan’s current reform trajectory. According to experts, the republic has synchronized its national strategy with the Bank’s priorities and, as a result, can attract even greater volumes of financing to accelerate structural reforms and strengthen economic resilience.

Overall, the key features of the modern model of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ADB are: comprehensiveness (covering all major sectors), strategic orientation (alignment with the long-term goals of “Uzbekistan–2030”), institutional depth (reforms, regulation, standards), and sustainability (environmental protection and inclusiveness).

Thus, today the ADB is not merely a creditor, but a key strategic partner participating in structural reforms, economic modernization, and Uzbekistan’s integration into global economic processes.

Dmitriy Trostyanskiy

Chief Research Fellow,

Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Doctor of Economic Sciences

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

We are the luckiest children of our people. We are fortunate to see the days dreamed of by our Jadid ancestors and to build the future they desired. During the events of the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, I was once again convinced of this.

         In recent years, Central Asia has acquired a new image on the world political map. Today, it is recognized that the countries of the region are not competitors, but reliable partners moving together on the path of development and cooperation. Consequently, other regions and powerful states are seeking to engage with us, envisioning a future in harmony with the spirit of Central Asia. This is not without reason. Because in the international arena, various conflicts and the pursuit of solely material interests have intensified. In such a situation, thanks to the political will and wise decisions of our President, a completely new policy, inherent to our people—one of openness and magnanimity—has gained priority in our region. All Central Asians rejoice in this. Why? Because our peoples have lived as neighbors, in-laws, sharing joys and sorrows as one nation.

         In awakening the spirit of Central Asia, our President first took the path of bringing our peoples closer together. We wisely used the power of literature and art to elevate relations to a new stage. In particular, various events and festivals were organized among cultural representatives of our countries. As part of state visits, performances by art and culture representatives and grand concerts have become commonplace.

         Our President has turned the gifting of books to his colleagues into a tradition. At the time, we understood this only within the framework of cultural ties. Time itself shows that the path chosen by our President is the way to reach the hearts of the people!

         After all, the peoples of Central Asia consider Khazrat Navoi their ancestor. Likewise, we also love Jami, Fuzuli, Makhtumkuli, and Abai just as we do Bobur or Alisher Navoi. We value the epic of Manas as if it were our own, and we read the works of Aitmatov more than anyone else. This alone indicates that our peoples have lived for centuries as close as flesh and nail. The leader of our state elevated such important aspects to the level of state policy. This opened a path to the hearts of our peoples. As a result, the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was rich in historic events. Importantly, following its conclusion, very important decisions for the future of the region were adopted.

         In particular, a concept for regional security and stability in Central Asia was adopted. In today's global world, security is of paramount importance. In such a situation, one cannot develop in isolation. Where there is peace, there is also stability. That is why the new Central Asia is seen on the international stage as a peaceful and stable zone. Our region has not only natural resources and economic potential but also a sufficient level of human capital. At a time when mutual conflicts and economic blockades are intensifying in various parts of the world, it is also true that Central Asia's ability to maintain stability is seen as a lifeboat for others.

         Maintaining this stability and achieving economic growth by utilizing its opportunities is not easy. Anyone who closely observes the working regime of our President understands this correctly. Because the leader of our state works day and night to strengthen international ties. From the world podium, he is advancing not only national but also universal human interests. He calls for resolving any conflict and dispute through peaceful, diplomatic means.

         It is these calls, aspirations, and initiatives that have awakened the spirit of Central Asia today. The entire region has unanimously decided to safeguard security and stability together. As our President put it, we have deeply understood that our strength is in unity, and our path to success is in friendship and cooperation.

         In recent years, relations in the "Central Asia Plus" format have expanded. Our region is demonstrating a unified position on the international stage. At the same time, it is actively integrating into the world economy. Investment attractiveness is growing, export opportunities to third markets are expanding, and transit potential is increasing. For example, last year, the mutual trade volume between our countries reached 10.7 billion US dollars. The total volume of investments attracted to our region increased by 17 percent.

         Further enhancing economic relations and correctly assessing the rapidly changing, unpredictable geopolitical processes is an urgent task. In this sense, it is gratifying that at the Consultative Meeting, a catalog of threats to Central Asian security and measures to prevent them for 2026-2028 were outlined.

         The Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was established on the initiative of our President. The leader of our state chaired its seventh meeting. During this period, our cooperation has been highly effective. To further enhance the potential of cooperation, over 20 major events were held. A forum for inter-regional cooperation at the level of deputy prime ministers was launched. Likewise, meetings of ministers were held for the first time. In particular, ministers of geology, industry, agriculture, ecology, and culture held meetings.

         Due to such aspects, we are right to say that a new era of the Consultative Meeting has begun. Just one example: now, member states will engage in separate, individual cooperation in each sector within the Consultative Meeting. We were convinced of this once again at the ministerial meetings.

         Within the framework of the international congress on "Central Asia: Common Spiritual and Educational Heritage – Common Future" at the Islamic Civilization Center, we held our first meeting with the culture ministers of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Various issues of multilateral cooperation were discussed. We discussed issues of cooperation in various fields of culture and art. We exchanged views on the current state of regional cultural cooperation and future plans.

         Our peoples have one thing in common. That is, people listen more to elders, to individuals respected by the community. They follow them. Precisely this aspect is considered our unique strength, unlike other regions. Therefore, for the future, vital issues were raised about expanding cultural exchange among cultural figures. As a result, we reached agreements on expanding regional cultural cooperation.

         Mutual respect and magnanimity among peoples do not appear by themselves. It must be admitted that the human psyche has a strong tendency towards negative information. In today's global world, we see enough examples of this. Our President, deeply understanding this very aspect and analyzing it thoroughly, created the opportunity for cultural workers to strengthen such ties. I believe that cultural workers, and intellectuals in general, are responsible for further developing peace and mutual understanding in the region. It is precisely we who must prepare and present to our peoples the positive content that will lead to this. In this sense, we united around a common idea to hold joint events and festivals in the fields of art, literature, cinema, theater, and music. Such events remind us of ourselves once again. They sing the universal ideas, friendship, and magnanimity promoted by Navoi, Jami, Fuzuli and Makhtumkuli, Abai and Aitmatov, which are the cause for awakening the spirit of Central Asia today.

         The gratifying aspect is that we will also expand joint projects for the study, restoration, and digitization of cultural heritage. Furthermore, we will develop exchange programs among young creators. We reached an agreement on organizing seminars, conferences, and summer schools. We also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in training and advanced training in the field of culture and art. Importantly, positive opinions were expressed on developing a "Central Asian Cultural Brand."

         Observing this process, the meetings and agreements at the level of state leaders, I felt that today Central Asia has truly become a single region, a unified force. Our peoples have gone through many trials to reach this day. We can see this in the example of our Jadid ancestors. Thankfully, the river that flows, flows on. Our ancestors always called the people of the world to enlightenment, friendship, and kindness. Today, we, as a single region, continue this eternal tradition. It is gratifying that the leader of our state is wisely using these values of ours not only for our country but also for the benefit of the whole world. This was clearly evident in the initiatives put forward by our President at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

         In particular, an initiative was put forward to establish an Council of Elders, comprising respected public figures with life experience and authority, based on the values and traditions of people's diplomacy. At the same time, it was emphasized that further improving cooperation mechanisms and the contractual-legal basis is of fundamental importance. Especially, the initiative to transform the Consultative Meeting into the strategic format of a "Central Asian Community" became the words in all our hearts.

         Because now Central Asia is not just a region, but is strengthening its place on the world political map as a single voice, a united force. That is why our President emphasized in his speech at the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia: "I am fully confident that today we are on the threshold of a period of historical awakening of our region as the New Central Asia."

         Precisely for this reason, developed countries are eager to cooperate with us. This is a great opportunity for the countries of the region. Using it wisely depends on our ability to protect our unity, friendship, and interests in a coordinated manner. In New Uzbekistan, it is recognized as a people-oriented policy precisely because such important aspects are always the focus of attention. The scale of countries wishing to cooperate with us confirms how sincere these recognitions are. There are two important reasons for the strong aspiration of developed countries towards New Uzbekistan. First, New Uzbekistan has become known as a state promoting the ideas of peace and humanity.

         Here, a vital truth must be stated. No matter how a person may appear in a hostile guise, they still strive to live for peace and friendship. Countries are the same. They may engage in various conflicts for their own interests. But deep down, they desire peace and prosperity. The foreign policy position of New Uzbekistan offers guarantees of this peace and friendship.

         The second important point is that thanks to the people-centered foreign policy, Central Asia has achieved unity. Now it is not seen as a field for labor or natural resources. Rather, it is seen as a new force with broad economic power in the international arena. During the Consultative Meeting, the leaders of the countries were at the Islamic Civilization Center. Our President emphasized that this center is a unique platform for creating scientific knowledge and ideas, conducting research, and popularizing our common cultural-historical heritage. Therefore, it is natural for the center to become a haven for the scientific and spiritual elevation of youth.

         We certainly have grounds for saying this with full confidence. At the Consultative Meeting, our President proposed to regularly organize the first International Congress dedicated to spiritual heritage and enlightenment ideas. According to it, the congress will be held annually in the country chairing the Consultative Meeting.

         All this shows that the countries of Central Asia are uniting not only because of economic or security issues, but because they are familiar with enlightenment. We know well that relationships built solely on material interests are fragile. In our region, however, live peoples with a single history, a common past. This is the reason for a unity that surpasses any material interests. That is why, at the meetings of state leaders, issues of culture and enlightenment always find a place on the agenda. This evokes boundless pride and honor in our hearts. At the same time, it also imposes the responsibility of being a generation worthy of such honorable days. For, at a time when the educational policy of New Uzbekistan is opening new horizons in Central Asia, being worthy of it is the duty and debt of every child of this land