Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhandos Shaimardanov spoke at the 8th Central Asian Expert Forum, “Central Asia – A Common Space of Trust, Security, and Sustainable Development”, held on August 14-15 in Tashkent.
In his speech, he emphasized that the region is entering a stage of qualitative transformation, where predominantly bilateral formats of cooperation are giving way to multilateral projects and initiatives. According to the KazISS Director, the foundation of the new architecture should rest on three key elements:
First, the creation of unified investment rules in the region – developing regional standards for interaction with investors, ensuring transparency and predictability of the business environment. He proposed establishing a Central Asian investment and information platform, modeled on successful foreign counterparts.
Second, a unified marketing strategy for Central Asia – positioning the region as an integrated economic hub within the global value chain. Shaimardanov noted the importance of reinforcing the already established geopolitical brand of the region with substantive economic content and developing a joint communication strategy that strengthens national brands.
Third, the development of flagship sectoral projects – launching joint production and infrastructure initiatives, such as cross-border agro-industrial clusters or green energy hubs, which would have a multiplier effect on related sectors.
The forum opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of the government bodies of Uzbekistan, the UN, the OSCE, and the EU. The first session of the forum, “The New Central Asia: Enhancing the Architecture of Regional Partnership”, also featured speeches by Director of the International Institute for Central Asia (Uzbekistan) Javlon Vakhabov, Deputy Director of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Shumkarbek Adilbek uulu, First Deputy Director of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Oraz Murtazozoda, and expert of the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Bekdurdy Amansariyev.
The speakers discussed the transformation of the architecture of regional cooperation, the expansion of multilateral formats, and the need to develop coordinated approaches to addressing common challenges. Special attention was given to resilience against external shocks, the alignment of transport-logistics and energy initiatives, and strengthening the region’s voice on global platforms.
Separately, the KazISS Director proposed expanding the practice of joint sociological and foresight research, exchanging best expert methodologies, and synchronizing national priorities to improve the effectiveness of strategic planning.
“The future of Central Asia is not just about geographic proximity, but a conscious choice in favor of shared identity, development, and solutions,” – noted Zhandos Shaimardanov, inviting forum participants to the Astana Think Tank Forum, which will be held on October 15–16 in the capital of Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that the Central Asian Expert Forum is an annual dialogue platform that brings together strategic research centers, experts, government representatives, and international organizations to discuss current challenges and prospects for cooperation in the region ahead of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia.
