Baku, September 17, 2026 – The Europe Today: The second International Conference of Leading National Analytical Centers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has been held in Baku to discuss economic cooperation, regional integration and sustainable development across the Turkic world.
The conference was jointly organized by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) and the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
In his opening remarks, CAERC Executive Director Vusal Gasimli highlighted the economic potential of OTS member states and outlined key areas for enhanced cooperation, including trade and investment, logistics, the Middle Corridor, financial and export opportunities, digital transformation and innovation.
OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev said that the OTS member and observer states have a combined population of around 180 million, underscoring their significant economic potential and the importance of closer cooperation to promote shared prosperity.
Deputy Speaker Musa Gasimli emphasized the strengthening of unity among Turkic peoples, noting that common language, history, culture and historical roots serve as important factors connecting the Turkic nations.
The conference featured three panel discussions addressing regional connectivity, economic integration and innovation-driven development.
The first panel, titled “The Middle Corridor as a Catalyst for Regional Integration and Infrastructure-Based Development,” examined ways to transform the Middle Corridor into a strategic transport and economic backbone of the Turkic world by 2040. Discussions focused on harmonizing infrastructure and customs systems, improving logistics efficiency, developing regional value chains, diversifying trade routes and strengthening the economic resilience of OTS member states.
The second panel addressed the strengthening of trade and economic relations among OTS states, with participants discussing economic integration toward 2040, trade and customs harmonization, the removal of economic barriers and innovation-driven growth.
The role of the Turkic Investment Fund, digital trade, e-customs, financial technologies, human capital development and labor mobility was also discussed.
The third panel, “Innovation for Sustainable Development: Policy Frameworks and Economic Transformation,” focused on digital trade, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, data governance, startups, research cooperation, technology parks, joint innovation funds and investment in human capital.
More than 30 think tank leaders, scholars and international experts from nearly 10 countries participated in the panel sessions.
The conference provided a platform for strengthening long-term research networks, promoting sustained expert dialogue and supporting evidence-based policymaking across the Turkic world.
