A meeting was held at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) with representatives of the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan.

Ilyas Huseynov, Head of the Turkic World Research Center (TWRC) at CAERC, stated that relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are developing successfully both bilaterally and within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. He noted a significant growth dynamics, particularly in the tourism sector. According to last year's data, the number of Azerbaijani citizens visiting Uzbekistan from January to November exceeded 21,000. In 2025, the number of Uzbek citizens visiting Azerbaijan increased by 34% year-on-year. Currently, the availability of direct flights on the Baku–Tashkent, Baku–Samarkand, and Baku - Urgench routes is one of the key factors accelerating growth in tourism.

Rashad Najafli, Deputy Head of the Economic Analysis Division at CAERC, noted that relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have risen to the level of a strategic partnership in recent years. The intensification of tourist flows, joint "Silk Road" projects, and the increase in trade turnover are clear examples of this progress.

Nilufar Rahimova, Head of the Department of International Business and Creative Economy at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, stated that the mission of their educational institution is to develop independent scientific research and original artistic creativity, while supporting the creative spirit of society. The university's main goal is to become a leading science and education center in the Central Asian region, train personnel for priority sectors of the economy - including tourism - and maintain accountability to the state and society for its performance results.

Nigina Sultanova, a lecturer at the Department of International Business and Creative Economy at the university, highlighted that a "think tank" aimed at conducting research in the field of tourism has been established within the higher education institution.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the guests were presented with the book "Middle Corridor: Analysis of Current Realities and Evaluation of Perspectives," a publication of CAERC.