Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Amid global economic and environmental challenges, international organizations are gaining increased importance in ensuring sustainable development and regional stability. The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which brings together countries from Central and South Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, plays a vital role in this process.

Among its member states, Uzbekistan stands out as a nation that has significantly strengthened its position in recent years through an active foreign policy and internal reforms. Thanks to its strategic location and economic potential, Uzbekistan has become a critical link among ECO member states, promoting deeper regional integration.

Notably, Uzbekistan's engagement with the organization has grown significantly since 2016, when the country adopted a policy of openness and multi-vector diplomacy under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This shift catalyzed a new phase of interaction with regional structures.

Historical Context of Uzbekistan-ECO Relations

Uzbekistan joined the ECO in 1992, but its active participation began in 2016, aligning with its renewed foreign policy agenda. Engagement has deepened through institutionalized dialogue, regular consultations at the leadership level, joint working groups, and active involvement in sectoral initiatives. High-profile visits by ECO Secretaries General—Halil Akçe, Hadi Soleimanpour, and Khusrav Noziri—demonstrate growing mutual interest and elevated cooperation.

Uzbekistan's chairmanship of the ECO in 2022 marked a milestone. Tashkent hosted more than 25 major events, including strategic discussions on organizational reforms and sectoral meetings on renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism.

A key legal step was the ratification of the Treaty of Izmir on December 5, 2022, signed into law by President Mirziyoyev. This solidified Uzbekistan's full legal standing within the ECO and laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation.

The 16th ECO Summit, held in Tashkent in November 2023, reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to regional integration, addressing trade, investment, transportation, and humanitarian collaboration.

Secretary General Khusrav Noziri praised Uzbekistan's role, noting its dynamic efforts had positively impacted the organization's development.

Economic Cooperation as a Foundation

Uzbekistan's demographic, economic, and geographical advantages position it as a key regional partner. With a population exceeding 37 million and a GDP surpassing US$115 billion in 2024, Uzbekistan boasts one of the most rapidly developing economies in Central Asia.

Its natural resources—gas, gold, uranium, and copper—combined with a strong agricultural sector, support food security and export growth. Uzbekistan’s geographic location makes it a natural trade and transport hub connecting Central and South Asia with the Middle East.

ECO countries are among Uzbekistan's major trade partners, accounting for nearly a quarter of its foreign trade. In 2024, trade turnover with ECO states reached US$12 billion. Kazakhstan and Turkey lead this exchange, followed by Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan.

Uzbekistan hosts about 4,000 enterprises with ECO-country capital, reflecting strong investor confidence. These firms contribute to job creation and technological advancement across sectors.

Efforts to harmonize trade procedures include an ECO-wide Trade Facilitation Agreement spearheaded by Uzbekistan. This initiative aims to reduce technical and non-tariff barriers and digitize customs, with projections indicating trade volumes could double by 2035.

Uzbekistan's Role in Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a key focus area. Uzbekistan actively engages in ECO environmental initiatives, especially those addressing the Aral Sea crisis and desertification. In 2021, Tashkent proposed the creation of an ECO Regional Center for Green Technologies.

At the 2023 summit, President Mirziyoyev called for a high-level ecology platform under the Samarkand Climate Forum, highlighting the country’s leadership in environmental diplomacy.

Uzbekistan’s commitment is reflected in its 2023 UN SDG Index ranking—69th out of 166 countries—an 8-place jump from the previous year.

In energy, Uzbekistan aims for renewables to account for 54% of its energy mix by 2030. Joint projects with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are underway, including a green hydrogen corridor, and plans for electricity exports to Europe. The ECO Regional Electricity Market (ECO-REM) and support for a Clean Energy Center in Baku illustrate growing energy cooperation.

Driver of Regional Integration

Uzbekistan’s location enables it to serve as a regional connector. The Central Asia–South Asia transport corridor (Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan) is vital for boosting trade and reducing costs.

At the 16th ECO Summit, Uzbekistan advocated for multimodal corridors like Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey and China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan. A proposed ECO Digital Transport and Customs Office in Tashkent aims to streamline logistics.

In aviation, Uzbekistan proposed making Samarkand International Airport an ECO regional hub—a move endorsed in the 2024 Tehran Declaration.

These initiatives aim to transform the region into a key transit point linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Prospects

Uzbekistan’s presidency in ECO delivered substantive outcomes, focusing on transport, energy, and ecology. The nation also champions organizational reform, proposing a High-Level Expert Group and annual development themes.

At the Ashgabat summit, President Mirziyoyev proposed a "Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation – 2035" framework, aiming to boost trade, industrial cooperation, and connectivity.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Harmonizing legislation, enhancing digital infrastructure, and optimizing logistics require joint efforts and clear action plans.

Tourism is another priority. Shakhrisabz's designation as the 2024 ECO tourism capital and the creation of a Tourism Advisory Committee lay the foundation for unified service standards and cross-border routes.

Green cooperation initiatives, such as the "Year of Connectivity" and the ECO Environmental Dialogue Platform, require financing mechanisms, tech partnerships, and private sector involvement.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan has emerged as a dynamic and influential ECO member, contributing significantly to the region's economic, environmental, and infrastructure development. Its leadership in reforms and initiatives elevates both national and organizational profiles.

Experts believe Uzbekistan’s consistent reforms have transformed it from a passive participant into a leader of regional integration. The country's proactive stance continues to attract international support and strengthens its position as a strategic partner in both the ECO and the broader international community.