Trade, investment, and technology: Tokayev outlines OTS priorities

Tengrinews.kz — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), citing Akorda.
The meeting took place in Turkey, where the President of Kazakhstan arrived for an official visit on October 28.
During his speech at the OTS summit, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan places high hopes on the key role of economic cooperation within the organization. The President announced that Kazakhstan's trade turnover with member states approached $10 billion this year, a 40 percent increase compared to last year.

"To maintain this momentum, we need to take several steps. First and foremost, we must ensure the high-quality implementation of the 'Turkic World Vision 2040' program. In this regard, it is important to accelerate the adoption of the OTS Strategy for 2027–2031. We support the comprehensive measures outlined in the draft document for developing trade, investment, finance, industry, agriculture, digital technologies, education, science, and other sectors. It is of fundamental importance that the upcoming five-year strategy focuses on the implementation of concrete projects," the President of Kazakhstan stated.

Photo by the Akorda press service
According to Tokayev, reaching this goal requires maximizing the capabilities of the Turkic Investment Fund. He noted that the institution possesses enormous potential, and all necessary conditions must be created for its full realization.

"Furthermore, to deepen economic integration, we should utilize the resources of the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During Kazakhstan's chairmanship of this structure, several events were held and important documents were prepared. To provide additional impetus to this work, we could host a business forum in our country in 2027. We also believe the activities of the OTS Council of Elders are very significant. We must provide this body with financial and other comprehensive support," President Tokayev suggested.

Photo by the Akorda press service
The Head of State identified the deepening of partnerships in the transport and logistics sector as a priority task. He also noted that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route plays a vital role in ensuring the connectivity of the Turkic world.
According to official data, cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor increased by 30 percent in the first nine months of this year, with transit traffic growing by 90 percent. Rail freight volume between Kazakhstan and OTS states rose by 10 percent, approaching 40 million tons, while road freight expanded by 20 percent to reach 6.5 million tons.

"To expand Kazakhstan's transit potential, we intend to implement a special program in our country. Overall, the modernization of logistics infrastructure and seaports along the Middle Corridor remains a priority for Kazakhstan. At the same time, other transport and logistics routes—namely the North-South corridor, the 'Belt and Road' project, and other directions—also remain highly beneficial and efficient for our country," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.

Photo by the Akorda press service
Group photo of the heads of delegations participating in the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States.
Note:The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is an international association of Turkic-speaking nations established to strengthen cooperation in politics, economics, culture, education, and other spheres. The organization includes Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, with several countries holding observer status.