In 2026, Kazakhstan has assumed the chairmanship of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI). The role was held by Azerbaijan last year. The transition of the chairmanship took place during the 3rd General Assembly of the TCCI, held on January 8 in Astana. This shift coincided with a period of steady growth in Kazakhstan’s trade with the member states of the Organization of Turkic States, according to Kazakhstan’s QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center.
In January–October 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the member states of the Organization of Turkic States amounted to $10.4 billion, an increase of nearly 11 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports were the main driver of growth, rising by 17 percent to reach $7.6 billion. Imports, by contrast, declined to $2.8 billion. As a result, the trade balance improved, with the surplus increasing to $4.8 billion. QazTrade CEO Aitmuhammed Aldazharov noted that this dynamic reflects stable demand for Kazakhstani products in the markets of Turkic countries.
Export growth was driven by supplies of wheat, copper, oil, sunflower oil, metal products, as well as goods from the agro-industrial complex and food industry. Processed products demonstrated the fastest growth, indicating a gradual shift in export structure toward higher value-added goods. The decline in shipments of certain raw materials, including natural gas and some semi-finished products, is viewed by QazTrade as part of a structural transformation rather than a negative trend. The bulk of trade with the Organization of Turkic States is concentrated in Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. These destinations account for approximately 96 percent of total trade turnover. This concentration is explained by close logistics, established trade relations, and predictable demand.
“Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry in 2026 gives us an opportunity to shape the economic agenda of the Union. These are markets of Turkic countries with a combined population exceeding 160 million people, where we see steady demand for Kazakhstani products. The focus is on expanding cooperation between manufacturers and creating direct B2B connections between companies,” said Aldazharov.
