Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan
Speaking at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev pointed to the low level of trade among member states. According to the Uzbek leader, mutual trade between ECO countries reached $95 billion in 2024—just 10 percent of the bloc’s total foreign trade, as cited by his press office.
Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of simplifying trade in goods and services, gradually removing technical and non-tariff barriers, and expanding e-commerce. He also advocated for the creation of «green corridors» to facilitate real-time exchange of agricultural market information and ensure seamless delivery of food products. In this context, he proposed hosting a ministerial-level trade meeting in Tashkent.
To boost investment cooperation, Mirziyoyev called for the development of a transparent and appealing business climate and suggested the adoption of a program titled «EcoInvest.» Such an initiative, he argued, could attract private investors and international financial institutions to high-potential regional projects.
Another key priority, the Uzbek president noted, is the development of alternative transport corridors. He reiterated the strategic importance of the planned China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, adding that this network will eventually be linked with the Trans-Afghan Corridor, creating a seamless transit system across the broader region.
Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a Digital Transport and Customs Agency to streamline logistics. He also highlighted the need for new air routes, innovative forms of cooperation between carriers, and better marketing integration between aviation and tourism sectors. He proposed that these topics be addressed in detail at a national airline forum to be held in Samarkand. He further called for the adoption of an ECO-wide roadmap to increase regional tourism flows.
The president devoted special attention to climate policy, expressing support for the full implementation of agreements reached at the COP29 summit in Baku. He also proposed an ECO-wide cross-border “green” program aimed at establishing forests and recreational zones on desert lands.
Mirziyoyev introduced the idea of a strategic framework titled “Strategic Economic Partnership Goals – 2035.” He said the document should go beyond traditional areas such as trade, investment, transport, energy, industry, agriculture, ecology, tourism, and education to include innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.
“I am confident that today’s summit will give strong momentum to the realization of our ambitious goals and mark a new chapter in our multifaceted practical cooperation,” Mirziyoyev concluded.
The 17th ECO Summit took place in Khankendi under the chairmanship of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Participants included Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey; Prime Ministers Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan; Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov; Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar; ECO Secretary-General Asad Majid Khan; and heads of delegations from other nations and regional organizations.
