Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Today, Tashkent hosted the international scientific and practical conference "New Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Global Transformation."

The event was organized by the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President of Uzbekistan in partnership with the International Institute of Central Asia, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

The forum brought together more than 40 leaders and specialists from leading expert-analytical and research centers from over 20 countries across Central Asia, the CIS, Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.

Opening the event, ISMI Director Eldor Aripov highlighted that "New Central Asia is a region that, in a relatively short time, has completely reshaped its image in a positive direction."

He noted that not long ago, many experts described Central Asia as the “Balkans of Central Asia” and viewed the Ferghana Valley as a “powder keg” with severe territorial and water disputes and interethnic tensions.

Just seven years ago, he recalled, borders were largely closed, and there were conflicts, minefields along border areas, transport blockades, and high trade barriers.

The situation was exacerbated by a complicated international environment, marked by a deep crisis of trust and escalating armed conflicts, which negatively impacted the region’s stability and sustainable development.

In these conditions, as Aripov emphasized, there was a growing public demand for major changes to address the region’s accumulated problems. Recognizing this need, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan initiated a new foreign policy doctrine with Central Asia as its main focus.

The primary task was to find mutually acceptable solutions to all issues based on openness, pragmatism, constructive dialogue, equality, mutual respect, and consideration of shared interests.

In this context, Aripov noted with satisfaction that Uzbekistan’s new regional policy has not only significantly improved inter-state relations with neighboring countries but also laid the foundation for further consolidation and integration of Central Asia in a new format.

As a result, he explained, in 2018, President Mirziyoyev launched the mechanism of Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State. "This format has become not only a platform for dialogue but also a forum for making key political decisions that have charted the strategic course for regional cooperation," he stated.

During the past six summits, significant conceptual documents were adopted, including long-term initiatives. For instance, the Astana Summit in August saw the adoption of the Central Asia-2040 Concept for Regional Cooperation Development, defining the contours of long-term cooperation and affirming countries’ commitment to an irreversible and progressive process of regional cooperation.

Today, according to Aripov, due to the political will and combined efforts of regional leaders, Central Asia has been transformed into a region of good neighborliness, mutual trust, and cooperation. The region has established a unique model resilient to external challenges, demonstrating a shared commitment to ensuring the region’s future, security, and stability.

Additionally, Aripov highlighted the region's steady transformation into a space of new opportunities, convergence of interests, and inclusive cooperation.

Central Asia represents a large consumer market with abundant natural resources and human capital.

In this context, the expert emphasized the positive economic dynamics in the region. Over the past ten years, the regional economy has shown a stable growth rate of 6.2%, twice the global average of 2.6%. Since 2016, the combined regional GDP has grown by 60%, reaching US$450 billion by the end of 2023.

At the same time, Central Asia is becoming increasingly integrated into global trade. Over the past seven years, its foreign trade volume has more than doubled, reaching around US$225 billion, with intra-regional trade growing by 4.5 times (from US$2.4 billion to US$11 billion).

"We are moving towards a new economic development model based on the complementarity of our economies and our countries’ competitive advantages. This is facilitating greater industrial cooperation, the creation of a production and technology space, and positioning the region as a key link in the international value chain," emphasized Eldor Aripov.

In his view, these developments are increasing interest from external partners, turning Central Asia into a focal point for global powers. This interest is reflected in the development of "Central Asia Plus" dialogue platforms. Currently, there are more than ten such dialogue platforms, six of which have been established in the last five years. Since 2022, many of these platforms have been elevated to head-of-state levels, including meetings with China, the U.S., Germany, and the EU. Next year, South Korea will also join this list.

In conclusion, Eldor Aripov expressed his firm belief that Central Asian countries must seize this unique geopolitical situation to promote a shared vision and align regional development priorities in cooperation with third countries.