Turkic Academy and the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States jointly organized the workshop on “Unlocking the Potential of Digital Trade and Investment in Turkic Economies,” held on 25 December 2023 in Ankara. The event was dedicated to presenting the “Report on Turkic Economies 2023: Digital Trade and Investment,” jointly prepared by the Turkic Network of Official Economic Policy Research Centers (ERCNET).
The workshop brought together the ERCNET participating institutions, prominent experts, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors, including government officials, academics, and business leaders, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Turkic economies’ digital trade and investment landscape.
The workshop started with the remarks of Prof. Dr. Shahin Mustafayev, President of the Turkic Academy, Mr. Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye and Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States.
Welcoming remarks from the President of the Turkic Academy, Mr. Shahin Mustafayev, opened the workshop by emphasizing that digitalization has become an essential driver of economic growth and development. Mustafayev introduced the ERCNET and recognized the Report on Turkic Economies 2023: Digital Trade and Investment” as a crucial resource for understanding the current state of digital trade and the digitalization of investment promotion services in Turkic economies.
Mustafayev also elaborated on the report’s main findings, saying that the Turkic economies are experiencing a significant shift towards digitalization. “They all have a high level of digital maturity and have significantly advanced their e-government development over the past decade, enhancing citizen engagement and service delivery. Businesses in Turkic countries are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to engage in cross-border trade,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Mustafa Tuzcu, said that Turkic countries should intensify their efforts towards increasing their trade and achieving economic and commercial integration. Mr. Tuzcu stated that the Report on Turkic Economies 2023: Digital Trade and Investment serves this purpose. “As revealed in the report, digital transformation is vital to ensure effective integration into the global economy in the coming period and to create a competitive and sustainable trade ecosystem,” he said.
Mr. Tuzcu emphasized the significance of the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor, emphasizing its ability to facilitate increased economic and trade ties among Turkic countries. He noted that once the Zenzegur Corridor is open, uninterrupted connectivity between Turkic countries will be available.
Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, emphasized the importance of the ERCNET, whose activities are in line with the goals stated in the “Organization of Turkic States Strategy for 2022-2026” and “Turkic World Vision-2040.” He emphasized the significance of the Report on Turkic Economies 2023: Digital Trade and Investment and its role in defining trends, influencing policy, and directing economic relations among Turkic countries. Aware that the study would impact the upcoming “Partnership Agreement on Digital Economy,” Ambassador Omuraliev highlighted the strategic importance of digital connectivity among Turkic economies and urged member states of the Organization of Turkic States to prioritize the digital economy.
A comprehensive presentation of the key findings, trends, and analysis outlined in the Report on Turkic Economies 2023: Digital Trade and Investment was conducted by participating institutions of the ERCNET. The presentation began with an introduction that set the stage for understanding the significance of digitalizing trade and investment in the context of Turkic economies. The workshop then shifted its focus to showcase successful case studies and best practices from Turkic economies.
The main discussion topics included encouraging cross-border e-commerce among Turkic countries, the challenges and opportunities related to digitalizing investment promotion services and enhancing the digital infrastructure in Turkic economies. The participants also explored the need for digital payment systems, the development of a robust cybersecurity framework, and policy reforms to support digital trade and investment growth. Furthermore, they shared their insights on the potential benefits of increased collaboration among the Turkic countries in the digitalization sphere.
The following participating institutions of ERCNET attended the workshop:
• Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
• Economic Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
• Economic Research Institute of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• Center for Economic Research of the National Institute of Strategic Studies under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.
• General Directorate of Trade Research and Risk Analysis under the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye.
• Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the Presidency of Uzbekistan.
• Hungarian Institute of International Affairs.
• Eastern Mediterranean University.
