ISLAMABAD, October 9. /Dunyo IA/.  Pakistani publication “The Diplomatic Insight” has published an article entitled “From Regional Trade to Shared Prosperity: Uzbekistan’s Central Asian Vision”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Publication emphasizes that the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017, have become an important mechanism for developing multilateral cooperation. Particular attention is given to the decision on Azerbaijan’s full participation in the format, adopted at the seventh meeting in Tashkent on November 16^th, 2025, which creates new opportunities to integrate industrial production chains with infrastructure in the South Caucasus and gain access to the markets of Türkiye and Europe.

Publication cites data showing that Uzbekistan’s trade with the countries of the region increased 3.1-fold between 2017 and 2025, reaching $8.3 billion, while trade with Azerbaijan grew 9.5-fold to $307.3 million. It also highlights the role of the Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Investment Company, with charter capital of $500 million, as well as joint investment institutions established by Uzbekistan with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, along with proposals put forward by Uzbekistan at the informal meeting of the leaders of Central Asia and Azerbaijan held at Issyk-Kul on July 31^st, 2026.

In conclusion, publication emphasizes that removing trade barriers, coordinating transport arrangements and improving project financing mechanisms remain important areas for deepening economic cooperation among the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.