Vusala Jafarova, Head of the Turkish World Research Center at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, delivered a presentation at the international conference "Manas Forum 2024" held in Istanbul, Turkiye. Her presentation was titled "Azerbaijan, Connecting the Continents: The Leading Role of Europe in Energy and Infrastructure." In her speech, Jafarova highlighted Azerbaijan's strategic role in ensuring Europe's energy security through the Southern Gas Corridor.

During the visit, Jafarova also participated in the 15th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Working Group of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). She presented the concept of an "Interactive Geo-Economic Map of the Turkic World" at the meeting, which was held in a hybrid format.

The presentation emphasized that the "Interactive Geo-Economic Map of the Turkic World," an initiative by CAERC, aims to enhance economic cooperation among OTS member states. The map has the potential to serve as an innovative portal, offering digital services and functioning as a comprehensive, dynamic database on trade flows and investment opportunities.

Representatives from OTS member states expressed support for the development of the interactive map and discussed taking concrete steps in this direction. An agreement was reached for CAERC to present the concept document and project proposal for the initiative.

Following the presentation, Jafarova met with Yerjan Mustafin, Project Director of the OTS Secretariat, where she provided an overview of the activities of the Turkish World Research Center and its publications. She also presented Mustafin with the latest edition of the "Turkic Economic Outlook" which includes data for the first half of 2024. It should be noted that the "Turkic Economic Outlook," which reflects the economic dynamics of OTS member and observer states, has been published since 2022. It covers both quarterly and annual periods and is available in eight languages on the CAERC and OTS websites.