The contacts held by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Baku revealed that economic and digital integration is accelerating within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). In the meetings held with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and senior representatives of the member states, the expansion of regional trade and technology cooperation was among the priority agenda items.
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov attended meetings in Baku with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Among the main issues discussed at the meetings were the completion of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), the launch of the regional metrology organization TurkMET, and the development of the Turan Special Economic Zone in Turkistan for joint ventures and technology clusters.
Trade Among Turkic States Reaches $12.9 Billion and Sets New Targets
While it was stated that the trade volume between Kazakhstan and OTS countries had reached $12.9 billion as of 2025, the parties emphasized that this potential has not yet been fully utilized. It is aimed to pave the way for new investment opportunities in many sectors, especially industry, agriculture, energy, and logistics. In particular, the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) and joint technology projects aim to integrate the region more strongly into global digital trade networks.
A Strategic Move in the Middle Corridor and Logistics
One of the most striking topics in the talks was the strengthening of the Middle Corridor, which is a critical trade route between Europe and Asia. With the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, transit transportation in the region is expected to accelerate, while the Digital Monitoring Center project proposed by Kazakhstan is planned to make logistics processes more transparent and efficient. These developments may increase the strategic importance of the region by accelerating the search for alternative routes in China-Europe trade.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Focus
The projects presented by Kazakhstan within the scope of its “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence” also attracted attention. The Digital Solutions Center, planned to be established in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), aims to increase the technological capacity in the region. In addition, energy efficiency, water management, and cross-border digital infrastructure projects were addressed in alignment with sustainable development goals.
From a Regional Ecosystem to a Global Player
In the joint statement published at the end of the meeting, support for Azerbaijan’s chairmanship was emphasized, while it was stated that cooperation advancing through concrete projects would be increased. This new model of cooperation developing among the Turkic States may significantly increase not only regional trade, but also global competitiveness in the fields of e-commerce, the data economy, and digital infrastructure.
Turkic states