A Meeting of Economy and Trade Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States Was Held in Turkestan

On February 20, 2026, the 14th Meeting of Ministers responsible for economy and trade of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Turkestan, becoming one of the most significant events in advancing economic integration across the Turkic world. The event brought together representatives of government bodies, international development institutions, and the business community of OTS member states, reaffirming a high level of political will and practical readiness to deepen trade and economic cooperation.

Among the participants were Governor of Turkestan Region Nuralhan Kusherov, OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, President of the Turkic Investment Fund Bagdat Amreyev, Vice Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Asan Darbayev, Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Rovnag Abdullayev, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan Sultan Akhmatov, Deputy Minister of Trade of Türkiye Sezai Ucarmak, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Khurram Teshabaev, Secretary General of the Permanent Secretariat of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry Adem Kula, as well as Chairman of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan Murat Karimsakov.

The meeting confirmed that the OTS countries possess substantial collective potential, including a large domestic market, a developed industrial and agricultural base, strong human capital, a strategic transit position, and modern financial development instruments. At the same time, it was emphasized that the current level of mutual trade and industrial cooperation within the region does not yet fully reflect this significant potential.

As Chairman of the Board of the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan, Murat Karimsakov noted, further strengthening of economic interaction requires moving from discussion to practical implementation of joint initiatives: “Today we face a choice: to remain a dialogue platform or to shape a dynamic, results-oriented economic space. As Deputy Chairman of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry, I confirm the readiness of Kazakhstan’s business community to develop deeper cooperation, joint investment projects, and expanded production chains within the OTS countries.”

In his remarks, Murat Karimsakov emphasized that economic cooperation among Turkic nations has deep historical roots formed along the Great Silk Road, where trade, trust, and mutual benefit played a decisive role. Today, thanks to the institutional mechanisms of the OTS and the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, these historical ties are being translated into modern practical frameworks.

It was separately highlighted that the Republic of Kazakhstan chairs the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic countries this year, placing special responsibility on advancing the business dimension of integration and implementing practical initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and expanding investment cooperation.

In addition, the importance of institutionalizing the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States (TCCI) as a full-fledged international organization was emphasized, with the establishment of the Secretariat as a permanently operating working body. This step will ensure sustainability, continuity, and tangible effectiveness of our joint efforts.