Akramjon Ne’matov: “Regional Alignment of Strategies Is a Key Factor in the Sustainable Modernization of Central Asia”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Regional alignment of strategies is a key factor in the sustainable modernization of Central Asia. This assessment was made by Akramjon Ne’matov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI), during a roundtable on “Political Modernization in Kazakhstan: Reforms, Public Demand, and Regional Context,” held on 27 January in Tashkent.

The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Uzbekistan and attended by heads of diplomatic missions from Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation, as well as representatives of Uzbekistan’s parliamentary, expert, and academic circles.

According to Ne’matov, the central narrative consistently promoted by Kazakhstan’s leadership is the concept of comprehensive modernization, encompassing the transformation of public consciousness, state institutions, and the economic system.

He emphasized that this approach is especially relevant in today’s turbulent international environment, where state capacity to formulate and implement long-term development priorities becomes a key factor in resilience. In this context, Kazakhstan’s course, Ne’matov believes, sets a significant direction not only for national development but for the entire Central Asian region.

Ne’matov highlighted the similarity of structural challenges faced by regional states, including dependence on raw materials, technological lag, demographic pressures, and climate risks. He noted that modernization processes are most effective when national strategies are aligned at the regional level.

The expert assessed Central Asia’s potential as truly substantial. As a clear example, he cited Uzbekistan’s economy, which demonstrates steady growth both quantitatively and qualitatively. By early 2026, the country’s GDP exceeded US$145 billion, while exports reached US$33.4 billion.

Ne’matov stressed the importance of both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan moving from predominantly quantitative growth toward a qualitative development trajectory based on knowledge, technology, and innovation.

In this context, he particularly underscored the role of the systematic implementation of deep modernization policies under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. According to Ne’matov, the political will and systematic nature of the reforms initiated by the Uzbek leadership have ensured sustainable economic growth, activated institutional transformations, and laid a solid foundation for transitioning to a new development model focused on improving quality of life and human capital.

He noted that the reforms in Uzbekistan are comprehensive and long-term, covering economic, social, and governance spheres, and are already having a positive impact not only domestically but also on the broader dynamics of the region. Thus, Uzbekistan’s modernization course is viewed as a key factor in strengthening the resilience and interconnectivity of Central Asia.

Expanding on this logic, Ne’matov highlighted the potential synergy between Kazakhstan’s “Adal Azamat” (Responsible Citizen) initiative and Uzbekistan’s “Inson Qadri” (Human Dignity) strategy. He explained that aligning these initiatives fosters a unified standard of responsible citizenship, positioning the individual as a key development resource.

Drawing on President Mirziyoyev’s address to the Oliy Majlis and initiatives of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Ne’matov outlined several priority areas for regional cooperation.

First, he emphasized the importance of joint efforts in technological and innovative development. Coordinated progress toward a high value-added economy, the development of high-tech industries, scientific research, and innovation ecosystems creates conditions for strengthening the region’s position in the global division of labor.

Second, he highlighted the need to pool resources for systematic human capital development. Adapting education systems and workforce training to evolving labor market demands, and developing engineering, digital, and managerial competencies, forms the basis for Central Asia’s long-term competitiveness.

Third, Ne’matov noted the growing significance of coordinated action in environmental sustainability and climate adaptation. Joint approaches to energy efficiency, green energy, and enhancing productivity and resilience in agriculture can transform climate challenges from risks into growth drivers.

Fourth, he stressed the importance of aligning transport and logistics policies. Creating a multi-modal transport corridor system and coordinating infrastructure projects establishes the conditions for transforming Central Asia into a major Eurasian transport and logistics hub.

Fifth, he highlighted the need for cooperation in digitalization and artificial intelligence. Harmonizing digital strategies, developing AI solutions, and expanding e-government services generate economies of scale, accelerate reforms, and improve governance quality.

Sixth, Ne’matov emphasized cultural and humanitarian alignment. Building a shared cultural-historical space and strengthening regional identity serve both as a factor of resilience and a driver of long-term development.

In conclusion, Ne’matov noted that the sequential modernization of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan lays a solid foundation for sustainable growth across Central Asia. With systemic regional alignment, he believes the region could achieve three key outcomes: strengthening international agency, enhancing investment attractiveness, and increasing resilience to external shocks.

“Modernization is not just a political choice. For Central Asia, it is an objective path toward more effective regional cooperation, sustainable development, and social progress,” concluded the ISMI representative.