At the 2nd Meeting of the Ministers of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Baku, representatives of member states delivered speeches, and a Declaration was adopted regarding the outcomes of the meeting.

The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, took place as part of the Organization of Turkic States’ (OTS) efforts to strengthen cooperation in the fields of industry, science, technology, and innovation.

Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized the significant role of the new platform covering these sectors within the OTS framework in enhancing partnerships among member countries. It was highlighted that the Gabala Declaration, adopted at the OTS' XII Summit in early October this year in Azerbaijan, includes the promotion of artificial intelligence, green, and digital technologies' integration into industrial strategies. Joint initiatives on the digital transformation of industry, innovation ecosystems, human capital development, and supporting entrepreneurship will contribute to accelerating economic growth and strengthening regional integration in member countries.

The meeting stressed that intellectual property plays a fundamental role in the development of science, industry, and innovation. The establishment of the Common Turkic Patent Organization (CTPO) was noted as an initiative to strengthen cooperation in this area. Furthermore, the initiative to create the Turkic States Metrology Organization (TÜRKMET) was considered strategically important for the development of science, industry, and technology. It was noted that the establishment of TÜRKMET will deepen regional economic partnerships and strengthen scientific-research and innovation potential. Additionally, the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), signed in Bishkek, was seen as a significant step toward deepening digital economic cooperation.

During the event, Azerbaijan's initiatives in the field of startups were presented, and the possibilities for cooperation in this area were discussed. A proposal was made to create the Turkic States Startup and Innovation Cooperation Platform to encourage joint activities in the startup sector, realize innovative ideas, and expand access to regional markets.

The importance of more active involvement of the private sector in economic cooperation formats was emphasized. It was stated that business structures should become the main driving force of economic collaboration as sources of ideas, technologies, and investments. By bringing together manufacturing enterprises, research centers, and startup ecosystems, sustainable industrial development and innovative growth in the region could be strengthened. For this purpose, it was suggested to establish a technology platform with the participation of large industrial companies operating in member states.

The strategic geographic location of the OTS countries between the North and South, East and West, and their effective utilization of the increasing opportunities of the Middle Corridor were emphasized as essential factors.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev noted that the organization has rapidly developed in recent years, becoming a dynamic and goal-oriented regional structure. It was pointed out that member states are actively partnering in various sectors, including trade, energy, transportation, education, culture, innovation, digitalization, and the environment.

Türkiye's Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır shared opportunities for cooperation among member countries in key areas such as technological integration, artificial intelligence, green economy, and support for SMEs. He emphasized that deepening cooperation among Turkic states and creating a high-tech, sustainable development model in line with the "Turkish World-2040 Vision" is a primary goal.

Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakyt Sydykov expressed his country's efforts to develop joint projects, increase mutual investments, and improve conditions for business. It was noted that the actions taken within the framework of the new platform would allow member countries to move forward confidently in the face of global challenges. In this regard, the role of the Turkish Investment Fund was highlighted, and there was optimism that its activities would enable the realization of important projects for all parties.

The event also featured speeches from Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction Rakhimjan Issakulov, Asror Norov, Acting Head of the Innovative Development Agency of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan, and Hungary's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Tamás Torma. The speakers expressed their views on promoting innovation, technological cooperation, implementing joint projects, and expanding economic relations.

A report on the work of the task force over the past year was presented. It was noted that the process of acquaintance and experience exchange among member countries had been successfully carried out, and the importance of the proposed initiatives was emphasized.

At the meeting, the Declaration on the outcomes of the 2nd meeting of the Ministers of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Organization of Turkic States was adopted.

It was decided that the 3rd Meeting of the Ministers of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Organization of Turkic States will be held next year in Kazakhstan.