The inaugural Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in the expanded “C6” format, held on 8 October 2026 in Awaza, Turkmenistan, showcased a strong consensus on transforming regional convergence into structured, long-term economic and industrial integration.
In his address, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan highlighted that the inclusion of Azerbaijan creates a unified strategic space of shared economic, historical, and transport ties spanning both shores of the Caspian Sea. Emphasizing the need to navigate global market realignments and geopolitical turbulence, President Mirziyoyev presented an extensive, multi-sectoral roadmap focused on joint manufacturing value chains, green energy, water resource digitalization, shared computing infrastructure, and critical mineral development.
Executive Snapshot: Key Proposals by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
- “Six Economies, One Product” Model: Transition from basic cross-border trade to unified industrial production chains across Central Asia and Azerbaijan, supported by the inaugural Central Asia–Azerbaijan Business Forum in 2027.
- Regional Financial & Technical Platform: Establish a dedicated platform under the Council of Ministers of Trade and Investment to provide financial instruments, preparation, and expert oversight for major joint investment projects.
- Low-Carbon Energy Concept: Formulate a joint Concept for Low-Carbon Energy Potential to coordinate renewable energy capacity, modern storage systems, and trans-Caspian energy transmission corridors.
- Water Digitalization & IFAS Chairmanship: Execute the “Decade of Practical Actions for Rational Water Use”, deploy digital water monitoring, and leverage Uzbekistan’s upcoming presidency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).
- Regional Alliance on Critical Minerals: Establish an alliance based in Uzbekistan to coordinate critical mineral processing, starting with a unified digital map of regional raw material reserves.
- Shared Computing Infrastructure & AI: Interconnect national data centers to construct a shared regional computing ecosystem for artificial intelligence projects.
- Regional Atlas of Future Professions: Develop a comprehensive forecasting tool to align vocational and higher education programs directly with upcoming cross-border industrial projects.
The Full Speech
The complete official text of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address is available on the official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
Full Speech of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev:
https://president.uz/en/lists/view/9696
Analytical Breakdown of the Position of Uzbekistan
President Mirziyoyev’s speech provided an overarching strategic blueprint designed to elevate regional economic cooperation into deep industrial co-production and shared technological governance.
1. Advanced Industrial Integration: “Six Economies, One Product”
Calling for a qualitative leap beyond standard bilateral trade, President Mirziyoyev introduced the “Six Economies, One Product” framework. By embedding enterprises from multiple regional states into single manufacturing chains, the initiative aims to form structural economic bonds that far exceed traditional commodity exchanges. To support this, Uzbekistan proposed establishing a financial-technical support platform under the Council of Ministers of Trade and Investment, alongside hosting the inaugural Central Asia–Azerbaijan Business Forum in 2027.
2. Low-Carbon Energy & Grid Coordination
Recognizing the region’s complementary energy profile—combining fossil fuel reserves with vast hydropower, solar, and wind potential—Uzbekistan proposed drafting a Concept for Low-Carbon Energy Potential. This framework will coordinate the expansion of generation capacities, grid energy storage solutions, and new transmission channels across the Caspian basin.
3. Transboundary Water Management & Ecological Action
Addressing acute water scarcity, climate pressures, and agricultural demands, President Mirziyoyev stressed the necessity of real-time digital monitoring and water-saving technologies. Assuming the presidency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), Uzbekistan pledged to modernize the Fund and engage Afghanistan in structured dialogue on transboundary water use. Additionally, Uzbekistan urged starting the “Clean Air Central Asia” consortium through pilot eco-modernization programs in industrial and transport hubs.
4. Critical Minerals Regional Alliance
To capitalize on the global demand for rare-earth and critical raw materials, Uzbekistan advocated for a Regional Alliance on Critical Minerals. The creation of a unified digital geological map will present investors with a transparent view of C6 raw material reserves, establishing the region as a major player in high-tech supply chains.
5. Shared Computing Infrastructure & AI Ecosystems
Highlighting digital transformation as a driver of economic productivity, Uzbekistan proposed linking national data centers to create a shared regional computing infrastructure. This pooled compute network will support joint artificial intelligence development, tech entrepreneurship, and specialized scientific research.
6. Human Capital & Future Workforce Development
Addressing the region’s demographic expansion, President Mirziyoyev proposed creating a Regional Atlas of Future Professions and Competencies. By forecasting skill shortages across industrial, energy, transport, and digital sectors, regional educational institutions can train specialists specifically tailored for large-scale multi-nation infrastructure projects. /// nCa, 8 October 2026