Astana has reinforced its position as a key hub for Turkic economic cooperation by hosting the third General Assembly of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The gathering brought together representatives from government bodies, business communities, and development institutions across the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
Addressing the assembly, Vice Minister of National Economy Assan Darbayev detailed Kazakhstanโs expanding economic engagement with OTS member states, according to The Caspian Post, citing Kazakh media.
Darbayev underlined that Astana regards the Organization of Turkic States as a strategic platform for deepening economic integration, increasing investment flows, advancing industrial cooperation, and expanding major logistics corridors throughout the Turkic region.
He noted that the Turkic region possesses significant economic potential, with a shared ambition to fully unlock it through the development of sustainable value-added chains and the creation of new business growth opportunities. Darbayev added that consistent growth in mutual trade highlights both the relevance and durability of economic cooperation among Turkic countries.
Kazakhstanโs trade turnover with OTS member states reached $10.4 billion in the first ten months of 2025, reflecting a 10.9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Exports rose by 17.1 per cent to $7.6 billion, while imports stood at $2.8 billion, generating a trade surplus of $4.8 billion.
The rise in exports was primarily driven by higher shipments of copper and copper cathodes, crude oil, wheat, petroleum products, sunflower oil, and metallurgical and agro-industrial goods. While this underscores Kazakhstanโs continued dependence on raw materials, it also points to a gradual transition toward higher value-added production.
Darbayev also emphasized Kazakhstanโs strong investment attractiveness, citing favorable rankings in international benchmarks such as the World Bankโs Doing Business and the Business Ready 2025 index. He said the government aims to attract at least $150 billion in foreign direct investment and increase fixed capital investment to 23 per cent of GDP by 2029. These objectives are anchored in the Investment Policy Concept through 2030, which prioritizes competitive, high value-added industries.
Alongside this, Kazakhstan continues to advance initiatives focused on improving the business environment, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening transport and logistics connectivity. The country actively supports the Turkic Investment Fund and the development of digital and trade platforms across the Turkic space.
Established in 2023, the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry includes Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tรผrkiye, and Uzbekistan, with Hungary and Turkmenistan as observers. Azerbaijan chaired the Union in 2025. Over the past five years, Tรผrkiyeโs trade with Turkic states has reached $62.6 billion, highlighting the accelerating economic ties within the region.
