Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 28-29 August, the XIth meeting of the Forum of Think Tanks of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia was held in Xining (PRC) on the topic: "Building Asia of mutual learning and mutually beneficial cooperation: the role of and mission of the CICA.

Speaking as a speaker at the event, Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, shared his vision of the current situation in the field of security and stability in Asia, and also presented a number of proposals on the most popular areas of cooperation within this association.

As the ISMI representative noted, in the new global realities, when the world is witnessing complex processes, which experts succinctly refer to as a complex crisis, accompanied by numerous challenges and threats, maintaining dialogue and building trust, creating the necessary conditions for multilateral interaction, and joint work to coordinate actions in the fight against new challenges of our time.

With this in mind, Akramjon Nematov presented ideas for building more effective cooperation within the CICA.

First, according to the expert, issues of maintaining socio-economic stability deserve priority attention.

It is necessary to coordinate actions in the field of rebuilding sustainable supply chains and mutual opening of market access. This can play an important role in adapting the economies of the Organization to the turbulent situation in world markets.

Moreover, he pointed out, it is important to make full use of the rich human capital, production and resource potential of the CICA member states and concentrate on deepening industrial cooperation with subsequent production of high value-added products.

Secondly, Akramjon Nematov is convinced, taking into account the close interdependence of trade, industrial cooperation with the transport sector, it is important to increase cooperation in the transport and logistics sector.

“By developing these areas together, we can become important links in global production and logistics chains and interregional interconnectedness. For this, of course, communications and the development of trans-regional transport corridors are important, which will increase the volume and stability of mutual cargo transportation, increase the transit potential of our vast region,” the expert emphasized.

Thirdly, as the representative of the ISMI pointed out, in the current conditions, the problem of climate change is also gaining indispensable importance. In order to form an adequate response to the challenges of global warming, it is necessary to pay increased attention to strengthening ties for the introduction of modern resource-saving and environmentally friendly technologies, and the development of renewable energy sources.

Along with this, the expert considers it promising to establish cooperation in the field of environmental protection and environmental protection through the exchange of experience, technology and highly qualified personnel.

Fourth, according to Akramjon Nematov, the problems of climate change, exacerbated by the policy of protectionism, the disruption of traditional production and transport and logistics supply chains, pose a serious threat to food security. There are unprecedented processes of environmental degradation, rising prices for strategically important products, difficulties in importing food products.\

In these conditions, he noted, it becomes important to consolidate around solving specific and relevant tasks for all, including building up cooperation in the field of trade and logistics, introducing innovations in the agricultural sector, and strengthening the supply chains of agricultural products.

Fifth, according to the representative of the ISMI, any delay in resolving the above issues can create a fertile ground for the socio-economic marginalization of vulnerable segments of the population, primarily young people. New methods of propaganda and ideological influence make the youth of the CICA countries very vulnerable to the inculcation of radical ideas. In this regard, the importance of establishing systemic cooperation in this direction in order to counter the involvement of young people in extremist organizations was emphasized.

However, he noted, without building a trusting and constructive dialogue, maintaining a balance of interests and respecting the diversity of cultures, it will be very difficult to avoid a downward trend and get out of the escalation spiral.

According to Akramjon Nematov, in these difficult conditions, the restoration of trust, building a constructive dialogue, finding common ground, joint work to coordinate actions in the fight against new challenges of our time is becoming extremely popular.

According to him, a global inclusive dialogue platform for resolving the above issues can be provided by the International Samarkand Forum, which will become the practical embodiment of the Samarkand initiative of solidarity for the sake of common security and prosperity, proposed by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in September last year.

“This forum will unite states and peoples with different economies, geography, cultures for joint reflection and search for new approaches to address the most pressing issues of the international political and socio-economic agenda, promoting a culture of peace," the expert concluded.

The 11th meeting of the CICA Think Tanks Forum was organized by the Shanghai Institute of International Studies.

It was attended by over 60 high-ranking diplomats, leading experts and heads of analytical centers of the CICA member countries.