The target is $20 billion. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed increasing mutual trade at the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, alongside closer cooperation on transport, water and artificial intelligence, DKNews.kz reports.
His participation is the subject of Akorda’s publication on the Avaza meeting.
The summit took place in Turkmenistan on October 8. Kazakhstan’s proposals link regional economic growth with better transport connections, cooperation over shared resources and responsible use of new technologies.
A $20 billion goal for mutual trade
Tokayev proposed bringing mutual trade to $20 billion.
This is a proposed target. Progress will depend on businesses’ access to neighbouring markets, transport capacity and the efficiency of trade procedures.
For companies, the practical considerations include delivery costs, predictable transit times and border processes. Expanding trade therefore requires cooperation beyond individual commercial agreements.
Transport and water remain shared priorities
The President also addressed transport connections and cooperation over transboundary water resources.
Both affect economic activity across the region. Transport networks support the movement of goods, while reliable water supplies are essential for agriculture and communities.
Tokayev proposed reviewing previously announced initiatives. Such a review could help identify projects ready to advance and those requiring further coordination.
Kazakhstan proposes an AI partnership programme
Tokayev suggested considering a Central Asian artificial intelligence partnership programme.
The proposal would support information and experience sharing among:
- research centres;
- universities;
- technology companies.
Kazakhstan also proposed a declaration on the responsible use of artificial intelligence by Central Asian states and Azerbaijan.
Safe use of neural networks was a central condition of the proposed cooperation. The initiatives combine opportunities for technological development with the need to address associated risks.
Both remain proposals requiring further work and agreement among participating countries.
A regional television channel and volunteer forum
Tokayev’s humanitarian proposals included sharing experience from the Taza Kazakhstan environmental initiative and holding a youth volunteer forum in 2027.
He also proposed establishing a regional television channel based on Silk Way and developing a shared calendar of cultural, sporting and tourism events.
These initiatives would create additional opportunities for contact between people across the region. Their implementation would require agreement on participation and organizational arrangements.
Six presidents attended the Avaza summit
Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired the meeting.
Alongside Tokayev, the participants were:
- Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev;
- Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov;
- Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon;
- Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The leaders discussed regional and international issues and prospects for closer cooperation between Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Kazakhstan’s proposals address connected challenges: greater trade requires reliable transport, agriculture depends on shared water resources, and technology partnerships require safeguards. Their practical impact will depend on subsequent agreements and implementation.
We previously outlined the visit’s agenda in our report on Tokayev’s three summits in Avaza, explaining the main events planned during his trip.
