Mirziyoyev shares his dissatisfaction 

Mutual trade between the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States is only 4% of the total foreign trade.  This is an unsatisfactory situation.  President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke about this at the Organization's summit in Samarkand.

"In the process of preparing for the summit, we analyzed the activities of our organization in depth," Mirziyoyev began.

He acknowledged that significant work has been done to develop multilateral relations between the countries, and also mentioned that great potential and great opportunities are not yet fully utilized.

"First of all, it is appropriate to strengthen the trade and economic foundation of our cooperation. Mutual trade between our countries makes up only 4% of our total foreign trade.  The rest of it corresponds to the share of third countries.  Of course, none of us are satisfied with this situation. In addition, some import customs tariffs remain high among our countries," said the head of Uzbekistan.

In this strategic direction, Mirziyoyev put forward the initiative of establishing a "region of new economic opportunities" within the framework of the Organization to radically change the situation and to ensure the free movement of trade, investment, and services.

"To achieve this plan, I propose to hold the International Turkish Economic Forum every year, with the participation of the leading business representatives of the Organization's member and observer countries and the world.  Holding joint events, businessmen's meetings and "round talks", presentations of innovative projects, and exhibitions in the format of "state and business" within the framework of the forum will give great practical results.

It will be important for us to adopt the annual "Roadmaps" aimed at the joint implementation of joint programs and projects based on the results of these events," said the leader of Uzbekistan.

It is noted that these activities are focused, first of all, on the sharp increase of mutual trade and joint access to the markets of third countries, the creation of continuous chains of added value, and the establishment of high-tech clusters and venture companies.

Mirziyoyev also expressed his full support for the proposal to launch a Joint Investment Fund within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.