In the context of a rapidly changing global economic architecture, the establishment of trade and industrial alliances within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States is becoming critical for sustainable development. In this context, uniting the efforts of business circles of the Turkic world acquires special significance. We present to your attention an exclusive interview with Mr. Davron VAKHABOV, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, where he shares his vision of the prospects and challenges facing the chambers of commerce of the brotherly countries.
– Davron Abdujalalovich, today there is an active integration among various institutions of Turkic countries, and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry are no exception. The Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States was established in 2023 on the basis of the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Could you please tell us, what are the prospects for this economic co-operation?
– The prospects for regional economic co-operation between Turkic-speaking countries are very encouraging. We are witnessing a steady growth of mutual trade – in 2023 alone, trade turnover between the countries of the Organization of Turkic States increased by 27%, reaching $42 billion. We have seen a steady growth in mutual trade. The establishment of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic Countries and other joint institutions (e.g., the Turkic Investment Fund) strengthens our coordination. This means that in the future we will be able to remove barriers more effectively, launch more joint projects and possibly move to special preferential trade regimes between our countries. Uzbekistan, for its part, is committed to deepening economic integration within the framework of Turkic co-operation and is ready to make full use of the opportunities that have opened up for business and investment.
– In February 2024 the summit of the World Federation of Chambers of Europe and Asia was held, the working meeting of the heads of the national parts and the secretariat of the Union of Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry was organised. Could you please tell us about the summit and the format of the meeting of the chambers of the OTS?
– On the margins of the Summit of the World Federation of Chambers in November 2024, a separate meeting of the heads of chambers of commerce and industry of Turkic countries was held. In a working format, the heads of national chambers and the secretariat of the Union of Chamber of Commerce and Industry gathered around the same table to discuss the work done and plans for the future. This format allowed us to promptly exchange experience, agree on common initiatives and develop a consolidated position on a number of issues. We presented the achievements of the Union of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States to our international colleagues and emphasized our readiness to jointly promote the interests of business in the Turkic region at the global level. Such meetings strengthen mutual understanding between the chambers, increasing the effectiveness of our co-operation.
– Could you please tell us about the fundamental principles and priorities on which the members of the Union of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States base their activities?
– The prospects for regional economic co-operation between Turkic-speaking countries are very encouraging. We are witnessing a steady growth of mutual trade – in 2023 alone, trade turnover between the countries of the Organization of Turkic States increased by 27%, reaching $42 billion. We have seen a steady growth in mutual trade. The establishment of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic Countries and other joint institutions (e.g., the Turkic Investment Fund) strengthens our coordination. This means that in the future we will be able to remove barriers more effectively, launch more joint projects and possibly move to special preferential trade regimes between our countries. Uzbekistan, for its part, is committed to deepening economic integration within the framework of Turkic co-operation and is ready to make full use of the opportunities that have opened up for business and investment.
– In February 2024 the summit of the World Federation of Chambers of Europe and Asia was held, the working meeting of the heads of the national parts and the secretariat of the Union of Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry was organised. Could you please tell us about the summit and the format of the meeting of the chambers of the OTS?
– On the margins of the Summit of the World Federation of Chambers in November 2024, a separate meeting of the heads of chambers of commerce and industry of Turkic countries was held. In a working format, the heads of national chambers and the secretariat of the Union of Chamber of Commerce and Industry gathered around the same table to discuss the work done and plans for the future. This format allowed us to promptly exchange experience, agree on common initiatives and develop a consolidated position on a number of issues. We presented the achievements of the Union of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States to our international colleagues and emphasized our readiness to jointly promote the interests of business in the Turkic region at the global level. Such meetings strengthen mutual understanding between the chambers, increasing the effectiveness of our co-operation.
– Could you please tell us about the fundamental principles and priorities on which the members of the Union of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States base their activities?