1. General Information

     This publication will explore the rapidly evolving investment landscape of the Turkic States, aligning with the Organization of Turkic States’s (OTS) Vision 2040 and the 2022-2026 Strategy. As part of the Samarkand Declaration and OTS’s broader efforts to increase intra-regional trade turnover, this book will analyze how the Turkic States are positioning themselves as key investment destinations in the global economy. By focusing on economic cooperation, simplifying customs, and enhancing transport connectivity, the OTS is fostering an environment that encourages investment and strengthens the economic ties between member states.

     The publication aims to examine why these states are increasingly becoming attractive to global investors, emphasizing the role of strategic infrastructure development, Free Economic Zones, and cross-border partnerships. It will highlight the investment climate, emerging opportunities in key sectors including but not limited to energy, transportation, green technologies, and digital transformation, as well as the expanding cooperation between member states to create a more integrated, competitive, and innovation-driven region.

     The book will serve as a forward-looking platform for thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, and economic experts to present insights and recommendations on how to further leverage investment opportunities within the Turkic region. It will also address the strategic importance of creating synergies in trade, transport, and sustainable development to unlock new channels for economic growth and regional cooperation.

     The Vision 2040 and OTS 2022-2026 Strategy emphasize critical initiatives such as simplified customs corridors, transport cooperation, and trade strategy agreements. This book will analyze how these efforts are transforming the Turkic States into a competitive region for foreign direct investment (FDI) and how these nations are driving sustainable economic growth.

     The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan headquartered in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan, in partnership with Turkic Investment Fund, is pleased invite co-authors for the book chapters dedicated to enhance cooperation among the member countries OTS by studying investment developments of the region.

     CAERC serves as the central hub for the implementation of the aforementioned project among the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), bringing together leading researchers and scholars from around the world who focus on research within OTS member nations. With a strong track record in publishing, CAERC has released several notable works, including the book series “Turkic States Economy”, which features contributions from experts across the region. In addition, the center has published over ten influential books on topics such as “Economic Growth,” “Digital Economy,” and “Green Economy,” alongside important reviews like “Turkic Economic Outlook” and “Exports Review”, among others.

     Turkic Investment Fund (TIF), the first mutual financial institution among Turkic States, was established on 16 March 2023 in İstanbul, the Republic of Türkiye, with the purpose to contribute to the economic development through expanding intra-regional trade and supporting economic activities. TIF aims to mobilize the economic potential of OTS member states, strengthening trade and investment cooperation and supporting joint projects that drive regional development.

2. Objective of the project: Why “Turkic States: Rising Investment Powerhouses” book?

The primary objective of this book project is to provide an in-depth analysis of the economic landscape of the Turkic States, focusing on how they are emerging as attractive investment destinations. The selected authors will explore the region's investment climate, key sectors for growth, and the role of regional cooperation in fostering sustainable economic development. Topics will include but are not limited to:

• Investment Climate and Policy Frameworks: Analyzing how regional cooperation, including OTS strategies, is shaping favorable investment environments in Turkic States.
• Free Economic Zones: Exploring the role of these zones in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and fostering economic growth.
• Cross-border Investment and Infrastructure Connectivity: Investigating how infrastructure development, such as transport corridors and energy pipelines, is facilitating economic integration.
• Energy, Green Economy, and Digital Transformation: Examining how Turkic States are focusing on sustainable energy solutions and embracing digital innovation to drive growth.
• Regional Cooperation and Trade Agreements: Assessing integration levels across countries, evaluating the role of regional agreements and initiatives (such as simplified customs corridors) in enhancing trade and investment flows.
• Sector-Specific Investment Opportunities: Identifying sectors such as technology, logistics, finance, tourism, and agriculture where investment opportunities are flourishing.

To make the topics more practical, the analysis will include real-world case studies, examples of successful investment projects, and actionable recommendations for investors seeking opportunities in the Turkic States.

3. Research Theme

Proposals are encouraged to explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• 1. Investment Climate and Regional Cooperation: Examining the economic policies, trade strategies, and reforms under OTS’s Vision 2040 that are boosting investment flows within the region.
• 2. The Role of Free Economic Zones (FEZs): Investigating how FEZs in Turkic States are fostering business development and attracting foreign investment, especially in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and logistics.
• 3. Infrastructure Development and Cross-border Connectivity: Analyzing the importance of transport corridors, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity in supporting regional trade and investment.
• 4. Regional Integration and Development Needs: Exploring approaches to measuring regional integration across countries within the region and investigating how differences in integration levels can relate to broader development needs.
• 5. Green Economy and Sustainable Energy: Exploring the integration of renewable energy sources and the role of environmental sustainability in attracting investment into the Turkic region.
• 6. Digital Transformation and Innovation: Assessing the potential for digital economies, fintech, and e-commerce to drive economic cooperation and enhance investment opportunities.
• 7. Public-Private Partnerships and Economic Diversification: Investigating the role of public-private partnerships in fostering economic diversification and supporting sustainable development in key sectors.
• 8. Social and Economic Stability as a Foundation for Investment: Exploring the social dimensions of investment, governance, and how stable socio-economic environments are crucial for attracting investors.

4. Submission Procedure

Co-authors from the researchers of each country representative are invited to submit book chapters based on the below elaborated thematic areas. Co-authors are expected to submit the papers to the email address of vusala.jafarova@ereforms.gov.az based on the approved deadlines

All submissions are required to include the following information on a separate cover page:

• Title of the manuscript/chapter
• Name(s) of author(s) in intended order of authorship, their organizational affiliation(s), position(s), and e-mail address(es)
• Lead author telephone number
• Manuscript/chapter words count

The language of manuscript/chapter submissions is English. Thus, the book is planned to be published in English language by Scopus indexed publication house.

Proposal Guidelines:

• Abstract Submission Deadline: June 30. 2025
• Length of Abstract: 250–300 words
• Final Chapter Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025

5. Formatting, Structure, Style, and Referencing Guidelines

• Use A4 format
• For the body text, use Garamond font, size 12
• Line spacing: single
• Margins 1” on all sides, text alignment justified.
• Paragraphs without indentation, separated by a single line.
• Use Heading 1, Garamond font, size 13, bold, for chapters (use automation function for all headings and use appropriate automated numbering for chapters)
• Use Heading 2, Garamond font, size 12, bold, for sub-chapters (use automation function, and use relevant automated numbering for sub-chapters, e.g., second level subchapter 1.2, third level, 1.2.1, etc.)
• Use Garamond font, size 14, bold, for paper title
• When copy-pasting information from other sources, use “Paste Special” function in MS Word, then “Unformatted.” Afterwards, format as per instructions above.
• Use plain page number in bottom right corner.
• Use bottom footer if needed, to give a short title of the document, date, or version
• Produce clean well-formatted text with editable tables.
• Do not incorporate private company or any outsourced logotypes into the paper.

6. Referencing

The authors shall use APA style citation in their manuscripts. Examples below:

Material Type	Reference List/Bibliography
A book in print	Baxter, C. (1997). Race equality in health care and education. Philadelphia: Ballière Tindall.
A book chapter, print version	Haybron, D. M. (2008). Philosophy and the science of subjective well-being. In M. Eid & R. J. Larsen (Eds.), The science of subjective well-being (pp. 17-43). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
An eBook	Millbower, L. (2003). Show biz training: Fun and effective business training techniques from the worlds of stage, screen, and song. Retrieved from http://www.amacombooks.org/
An article in a print journal	Alibali, M. W. (1999). How children change their minds: Strategy change can be gradual or abrupt. Developmental Psychology, 35, 127-145.
An article in a journal without DOI	Carter, S., & Dunbar-Odom, D. (2009). The converging literacies center: An integrated model for writing programs. Kairos: A Journal of Rhetoric, Technology, and Pedagogy, 14(1), 38-48. Retrieved from http://kairos.technorhetoric.net/
An article in a journal with DOI	Gaudio, J. L., & Snowdon, C. T. (2008). Spatial cues more salient than color cues in cotton-top tamarins (saguinus oedipus) reversal learning. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 122, 441-444. doi: 10.1037/0735-7036.122.4.441
Websites - professional or personal sites	The World Famous Hot Dog Site. (1999, July 7). Retrieved January 5, 2008, from http://www.xroads.com/~tcs/hotdog/hotdog.html
Websites - online government publications	U.S. Department of Justice. (2006, September 10). Trends in violent victimization by age, 1973-2005. Retrieved from http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/glance/vage.htm
Emails (cited in-text only)	According to preservationist J. Mohlhenrich (personal communication, January 5, 2008).
Mailing Lists (listserv)	Stein, C. (2006, January 5). Chessie rescue - Annapolis, MD [Message posted to Chessie-L electronic mailing list]. Retrieved from http://chessie-l-owner@lists.best.com
Radio and TV episodes - from library databases	DeFord, F. (Writer). (2007, August 8). Beyond Vick: Animal cruelty for sport [Television series episode]. In NPR (Producer), Morning Edition. Retrieved from Academic OneFile database.
Radio and TV episodes - from website	Sepic, M. (Writer). (2008). Federal prosecutors eye MySpace bullying case [Television series episode]. In NPR (Producer), All Things Considered. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/
Film Clips from website	Kaufman, J.C. (Producer), Lacy, L. (Director), & Hawkey, P. (Writer). (1979). Mean Joe Greene [video file]. Retrieved from http://memory.loc.gov/mbrs/ccmp/meanjoe_01g.ram
Film	Greene, C. (Producer), del Toro, G. (Director). (2015). Crimson peak [Motion picture]. United States: Legendary Pictures.
Photograph (from book, magazine or webpage)	Close, C. (2002). Ronald. [photograph]. Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY. Retrieved from http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=108890
Artwork - from library database	Clark, L. (c.a. 1960's). Man with Baby. [photograph]. George Eastman House, Rochester, NY. Retrieved from ARTstor
Artwork - from website	Close, C. (2002). Ronald. [photograph]. Museum of Modern Art, New York. Retrieved from http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?object_id=108890

7. Timelines and Action Plans

Row	Deadlines	Actions	Remarks
#1	To be announced	Identification of all co-authors
#2	After #1	Kick-off meeting	Within 15 days
#3	After #2	Midterm review	Within 2 months
#4	After #3	Feedbacks to first draft of manuscripts	Within 1 month
#5	After #4	Final review	Within 1.5 month
#6	After #5	Final meeting	Within 15 days
#7	After #6	Submission of manuscripts to Mrs. Vusala Jafarova	Within 15 days
#8	After #7	Publication process	Within 1.5 month – all costs will be covered by CAERC
#9	After #8	Presentation and communication	Will be sent to OTS secretariat, TIF Management, and high-level government entities in each member country. Relevant ministries, other public and non-governmental entities. Also, it will be shared with universities and libraries.

8. Contacts

For any question about the structure or content or any other request relevant to the book, please contact Mrs. Vusala Jafarova, via email vusala.jafarova@ereforms.gov.az