The “Turkic Economic Outlook” for the first quarter of 2025, jointly published in eight languages by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) and the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), has been released.

According to the report prepared by the CAERC’s Turkic World Research Center, the Turkic states have outperformed the global economic growth rate amid ongoing global uncertainty, demonstrating strong performance in economic growth, trade, and investment. The member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) — Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — collectively reached a GDP of USD 593.8 billion, accounting for 2.1% of global GDP.

The Turkic states recorded an average growth rate of 5.04%, more than double the World Bank’s global average forecast of 2.3% for 2025. Notably, Kyrgyzstan grew by 13.1%, followed by Uzbekistan (6.8%), TRNC (6.4%), Turkmenistan (6.3%), and Kazakhstan (5.6%). Meanwhile, Türkiye and Azerbaijan posted modest growth rates of 2.0% and 0.3%, respectively, while Hungary experienced a slight contraction of -0.2%.

Trade also showed strong momentum: the total trade turnover of the OTS countries reached USD 369.3 billion, representing 4.4% of global trade (WTO, UNCTAD, 2025). This figure is more than twice the bloc’s share of global GDP. Export growth was observed in Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan achieving sustained increases in freight transit along the Middle Corridor.

Sector-specific indicators were also notable. Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural production rose by 17% due to expanded irrigation infrastructure and subsidies. In Uzbekistan, food production increased by 7.4%, supported by growing agro-exports. Kazakhstan boosted grain exports by 22%, enhancing food security cooperation with China and Türkiye.

In the industrial sector, Türkiye experienced growth driven primarily by the automotive and machinery industries. Uzbekistan’s textile and light industries recorded double-digit growth, supported by re-export activities and foreign investment. Azerbaijan’s non-oil industry expanded by 4.1%, led by developments in manufacturing and construction materials. Transport and logistics also saw advancement: the Port of Baku significantly increased its container traffic via the Middle Corridor, while Uzbekistan launched a new multimodal logistics hub.

Progress was also made in digital transformation. Uzbekistan accelerated ICT reforms, while Kyrgyzstan piloted “Safe City” systems in major urban centers.

In terms of investment, Kazakhstan attracted over USD 7 billion in foreign direct investment. Türkiye and Uzbekistan remained key destinations for industrial and digital sector investments. Kyrgyzstan saw nearly a 90% increase in fixed capital investments, while TRNC’s bank assets grew by 43% and Kazakhstan’s banking sector assets increased by 17%.

Important steps were taken in the areas of green and digital transition. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan made progress on the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor as part of COP29 cooperation. Uzbekistan set a goal to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Meanwhile, Bishkek was declared the “Digital Capital” for 2025 (OTS, UNEP).

Overall, the Turkic states, through strategic corridors, robust trade intensity, and investment dynamism, are enhancing their economic resilience, regional integration, and position within global value chains. Within the framework of the “Turkic World Vision 2040,” the region reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, trade expansion, and serving as a unifying bridge across Eurasia.

The first quarter of 2025 edition of the "Turkic Economic Outlook" has been published