Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Central Asia is creating a new paradigm for sustainable development. This perspective was expressed by Mohir Shagazatov, head of the Center for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, during the session "Economic Development Trajectory of Central Asia Amid Global Economic Transformations" at the international scientific-practical conference "New Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities in an Era of Global Transformation."

According to Shagazatov, Central Asia has the potential to become an essential link in emerging global value chains.

The expert noted that Central Asian countries are moving away from resource-based economies and mutual trade in raw materials, focusing instead on industrial cooperation. Together, they are shaping a production-technology partnership space within the framework of the Central Asian Five.

Central Asia presents a promising market with over 80 million consumers, a growing base of competitive labor, vast natural resources, a relatively young population, and high literacy rates—advantages that strengthen the region's appeal for investment.

Shagazatov highlighted that the VI Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State held in Astana in August 2024 approved the "Central Asia – 2040" Concept for Regional Cooperation. This framework establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration, aiming to enhance trade, industry, agriculture, energy, transport, logistics, as well as cultural and tourism exchanges.

He also emphasized that Central Asian countries now act not as a bloc but as partners united by a common goal—sustainable development. Moving from intentions in memorandums to concrete actions, such as adopting the Regional Cooperation Development Roadmap (2025–2027) and the Industrial Cooperation Action Plan (2025–2027), underscores the countries’ readiness for active cooperation and their shared commitment to addressing regional challenges together.

The expert further stressed the importance of the Concept for Central Asian States' Multilateral Cooperation, approved during the Fourth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State. He noted that this initiative is geared toward expanding both the geographic and institutional scope of cooperation, extending beyond Central Asia to foster stronger ties not only within the region but also with external partners.

With the growing regional cooperation, the creation of a barrier-free economic space and an integrated transport and logistics infrastructure is increasingly essential for facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and labor. Coordination mechanisms for transport-logistics collaboration are being developed, as well as a regulatory framework for partnerships in this sector. Additionally, coordinated efforts are being made to expand regional cooperation, optimize resource use, and bolster energy security. Developing a reliable energy infrastructure is crucial for optimizing Central Asia's energy potential and integrating it into global markets, Shagazatov argued.

In summary, the head of the Center for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies expressed his conviction that Central Asia stands on the threshold of a new era, where the challenges of global instability intersect with a unique opportunity for deep cooperation and transformation. The region is establishing a new paradigm for sustainable collaboration, where each country’s interests are woven into a cohesive regional integration.

The international scientific-practical conference "New Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities in an Era of Global Transformation" was organized on October 26 in Tashkent by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan in partnership with the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, the International Institute of Central Asia, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

In addition to scholars, experts, and researchers from leading analytical, scientific centers and higher educational institutions in Uzbekistan, over 40 representatives from think tanks across more than 20 countries in Central Asia, the CIS, Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East participated in the international forum.