Author: Derya Soysal

Response to Derya Soysal’s question following the NATO Parliamentary Speakers Summit in Brussels TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkiye) Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş provided comprehensive answers to questions regarding Central Asia and the Turkistan region at the NATO Parliamentary Speakers Summit held in Brussels. When Central Asia expert Derya Soysal asked about Turkiye’s stance towards Turkistan, Kurtulmuş emphasized that the relations are based on brotherhood. She added, quoting Ahmet Demirok, that Turkmenistan-Turkiye relations are excellent. “After the Cyprus issue, negative perceptions arose towards Turkistan, but these states are our brothers, and Turkiye’s relations with them are excellent,” She said, then asked…

Brussels, June 18, 2025 – Central Asian nations took center stage at a unique tourism and networking event organized by Turkish Airlines in Brussels, highlighting the region’s growing appeal as a travel destination. The event, titled Connecting Together, was held at the headquarters of TOBB (The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye) and brought together tourism professionals, travel agencies, and airline executives from across the BeNeLux region and Asia. Turkish Airlines, consistently ranked as Europe’s best airline, hosted the workshop with the support of Amina Kokten, Sales & Marketing Executive. The event aimed to foster collaboration between Turkish Airlines’ BeNeLux…

Astana, June 17, 2025 Following the Italy–Central Asia Summit and now the China–Central Asia Summit, Kazakhstan continues to assert its pivotal role as the leading power in Central Asia. The second Central Asia–China summit concluded on June 17 with the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation, marking a significant step in strengthening mutual trust and strategic cooperation between the five Central Asian states and China. Since the first China–Central Asia summit held in Xi’an in 2023, trade between China and Central Asian countries has surged by 35%, reaching a historic high of nearly $100 billion last year.In…

MEETING OF THE HEADS OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION AGENCIES OF THE TURKIC WORLD FOR NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION 12 June 2025, Tashkent – Tashkent International Investment Forum In a pivotal step toward fostering deeper economic ties across Turkic states, investment promotion leaders gathered in Tashkent to launch a new era of coordinated action and strategic collaboration. Among the highlights of the session were keynote interventions from high-level figures, including Ramil Babayev, General Director of the Turkic Investment Fund Farid Mammadov, Project Director of the Organization of Turkic States Baghdad Amreyev, President of the Turkic Investment Fund Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the…

At the TASHKENT INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT FORUM (TIIF 2025), Farkhod Ermanov  delivered a powerful message about Karakalpakstan’s growing role in regional and global commerce. Situated in the heart of Central Asia, this region of Uzbekistan is leveraging its natural wealth, strategic location, and progressive policies to attract investment and international cooperation. This trip was promoted by Saida Mirziyoyeva during TIIF 2025. With a population of 2 million and a gross regional product of $3.5 billion, Karakalpakstan posted $1.6 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024 alone. Foreign trade turnover reached $681.6 million, reflecting dynamic growth and deepening global ties. Enterprises from…

Kazakhstan is emerging as a powerhouse in Central Asia, driven by its dynamic economy, abundant resources, and strategic investments. At the heart of this transformation stands Samruk-Kazyna, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, which plays a critical role in attracting foreign investments and fostering economic resilience. During the Astana International Forum on May 29, 2025, key figures from Samruk-Kazyna shared insights into the fund’s ongoing initiatives, long-term vision, and commitment to strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global economy. Samruk-Kazyna manages assets exceeding $82 billion, ranking as the 22nd largest sovereign fund worldwide. Its diversified portfolio spans vital industries including oil and…

Investment Round Table for Sustainable Development On June 16, 2025, the Embassy of Tajikistan in Brussels organized a high-level round table focusing on environmental sustainability and green investment in Tajikistan. The event attracted notable participants from the European Union, environmental policy experts, and business leaders, all eager to explore opportunities for collaboration in green energy, afforestation, and sustainable development. Among the keynote speakers were: Their speeches emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability in Central Asia, the urgent need to attract green investment into Tajikistan, and the value of EU-Tajik cooperation in climate action. The session featured a focused presentation on…

Tashkent, 14/06/2025 During TIIF2025, Uzbekistan showcased its commitment to economic modernization, investment attraction, and regional integration. Since the launch of its ambitious reform agenda in 2017, the country has made significant strides in liberalizing its economy, advancing sustainability initiatives, and strengthening global partnerships. In this exclusive interview, Ilhom Umrzakov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, discusses the nation’s key economic priorities, investment opportunities, and climate resilience strategies. He also highlights Uzbekistan’s growing role in Central Asia, particularly in trade and infrastructure development, and emphasizes the country’s efforts to create a dynamic, investor-friendly environment. Ilhom Umrzakov:…

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan – June 12, 2025 During the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, Deputy Business Ombudsman J. Urunov addressed a key session focused on legal reforms and mechanisms for resolving international disputes in Uzbekistan. His speech highlighted the state’s commitment to ensuring a secure and transparent investment climate for both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs. “Today’s forum serves as a platform for discussing achievements and current issues in the investment sector, as well as the main platform for dialogue between the state and business,” said Mr. Urunov at the beginning of his address. He emphasized that Uzbekistan has elevated the improvement…

Deputy Minister Chasur Choriyev speaks with Derya Soysal at TIIF 2025 By Derya Soysal – Special Correspondent, Tashkent At the 2025 Tashkent International Investment Forum, Uzbekistan made a compelling case for its growing role as a regional transport hub. Deputy Minister of Transport Chasur Choriyev spoke with Derya Soysal about the country’s strategic priorities—railways, roadways, aviation, and digitalization—and the massive investment opportunities emerging as a result. Derya Soysal: First, what are the main, most important investment opportunities in Uzbekistan—transport, infrastructures? Chasur Choriyev: The most important—well, all of them are important—but strategically for Uzbekistan, in today’s terms, I think railway infrastructure…