Professor of CEU San Pablo University (Spain) and expert on Central Asia Antonio Alonso Marcos commented on the outcomes of the working visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Tajikistan and his participation in the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS and the Second “Central Asia + Russia” Summit in Dushanbe:

“President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s speech at the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State, in my view, represents a truly unique strategic manifesto that deserves attention not only from CIS countries but also from the broader international community.

The first thing that stands out is the systemic and comprehensive nature of the initiatives proposed. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented not a set of fragmented measures, but a cohesive framework for action, integrating trade, transport logistics, investment projects, energy, and digitalization.

Each proposal – whether it concerns the development of logistics corridors, the creation of special economic zones, the launch of a venture platform, or the harmonization of professional standards – reinforces the others, generating a synergistic effect essential for the region’s sustainable development.

The second, and crucial, aspect is the practical orientation of these initiatives. Growth in trade turnover, the simplification of trade procedures, modernization of transport infrastructure, and the establishment of information and logistics centers directly reduce transaction costs and enhance the predictability of supply chains. Industrial zones and venture platforms stimulate demand for innovation and create jobs, forming a sustainable internal dynamic of economic growth. These are tangible instruments that can be immediately applied in regional policy.

Third, the proposals for implementing major joint energy projects strengthen the energy security of CIS countries, create conditions for industrial modernization, and attract long-term investments. Here we can see that the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is expressed not only through strategic vision but also through the ability to mobilize resources for the concrete implementation of projects.

Fourth, digitalization and human capital. The development of a multilateral digitalization plan, along with initiatives for mutual recognition of diplomas and professional standards, is a measures that form the “soft infrastructure” of development, including joint educational programs, startup accelerators, and youth laboratories. Through these initiatives, the region gains not only a technological boost but also a platform for knowledge transfer and the formation of a highly skilled workforce.

Fifth, institutional resilience and risk management. Bottlenecks in transport networks, insufficient infrastructure financing, and the need for standard harmonization are real challenges. Yet, they can be overcome through a well-designed system of KPIs, pilot corridors, and transparent public-private partnership mechanisms. It is precisely in these institutional solutions that the strategic foresight of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev becomes most evident.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the address of the Leader of Uzbekistan is not merely a declaration, but a concrete roadmap combining an ambitious strategic vision with practical implementation tools. His proposals open up unique opportunities for strengthening integration, enhancing competitiveness, and building a socially just economy within the CIS framework. For all member states, this program should serve as a clear point of reference – its ideas and approaches merit close study and implementation”.

I. Abdukhalikov, UzA