Turkic states push for deeper economic integration at competition forum
At the third meeting of competition authorities of the Organisation of Turkic States in Shusha, Azerbaijan, officials stressed the need to move from theoretical discussions to practical cooperation on antitrust policy and regional economic integration.
The third meeting of heads of competition authorities of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) and an accompanying competition forum took place on Saturday in Shusha, Azerbaijan. The event focused on deepening economic integration among member states, particularly by aligning competition regulations and strengthening cross-border enforcement.
Birol Küle, President of the Turkish Competition Authority, urged participants to abandon "general theoretical discussions" and move decisively toward international cooperation. He emphasized that no single country can achieve its goals alone and that enforcing competition law across the entire OTS geography is crucial. "It is now imperative that we leave theoretical studies aside and decisively transition to practical implementation," Küle said.
Elnur Baghirov, Chairman of the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the President of Azerbaijan, noted that competition issues are similar across different markets, so Turkic states face common challenges. He stressed the importance of sharing best practices and working together on resolutions.
The OTS, which includes Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, was originally a platform for political and cultural cooperation but is now increasingly focusing on trade, transport, energy, investment, and emerging technologies. The forum discussed the newly established Competition Council of the Turkic States and mechanisms for cross-border enforcement to prevent monopolistic practices and promote fair trade.
The region is gaining strategic importance as OTS member states lie along key trade routes, including the Middle Corridor linking China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. Azerbaijan sees the organization as an opportunity to bolster its role as an energy supplier and transit hub.
Recent OTS discussions have also covered digital infrastructure, skills development, and innovation ecosystems. At last month's OTS summit in Turkistan, leaders declared AI and digital development strategic priorities and plan to prepare an action plan by year-end.
However, questions remain about how quickly these ambitions can become reality, as member states face different economic realities, regulatory frameworks, and geopolitical pressures.
