Central Asia has historically been a transit region. Acting as a bridge between East and West, it played a significant role in the Silk Road, which stretched from China to the Mediterranean. The historical Silk Road, encompassing cities like Merv, Samarkand, and Bukhara, was not only a trade corridor but also a route for the exchange of ideas and cultures.[i] During the Soviet era, Central Asia’s traditional connectivity was largely disrupted, with Moscow becoming the central hub for transportation links. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the newly independent states have once again sought regional and intercontinental integration and connectivity.[ii]
The economic transformations and uncertainties arising from the deepening globalization have led to increased geopolitical competition, highlighting the strategic importance of Central Asia once again. In particular, the Russia-Ukraine War, which has made northern routes risky and disrupted strategic transit points like the Strait of Hormuz, has brought alternative transportation corridors and diversification projects to the forefront. In this context, Central Asia is considered one of the important centers of regional connectivity due to its strategic location and developing transportation networks. However, recently, not only transportation corridors but also their financial infrastructure and sustainability have been discussed. The Tashkent Investment Forum and the Baku Islamic Development Bank meeting held in June 2026 demonstrate that Central Asia’s connectivity dimension has now entered a new phase: investment diplomacy.[iii]
At the heart of Central Asia’s connectivity issue lies the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor. This route stretches from China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, across the Caspian Sea, Georgia, and Turkey to Europe, holding significant importance for regional integration and investment. Forums held in Baku and Uzbekistan, focusing on financing and regional connectivity, have brought the Middle Corridor back into the spotlight.[iv] In this context, the aim of Central Asian countries is not only to increase regional transport capacity but also to establish longer-term economic integration. The forums held in June demonstrate that regional connectivity now goes hand in hand with infrastructure and financing. Therefore, the Middle Corridor will be the biggest test of whether this vision can be transformed into a tangible and financially viable outcome.
At this point, the states in Central Asia aim not only to develop physical infrastructure but also to create attractive legal and financial environments for investors. The most striking example of this is the Astana International Financial Center established in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. This center has managed to attract more than $20 billion in investment to the Kazakh economy by offering foreign investors a safe and predictable platform. [v]
It is also worth explaining why investment diplomacy has become more visible in Central Asia in recent years. For the countries in the region, attracting investment means economic development and increased international competitiveness. Furthermore, the connectivity and integration goals of Central Asian states, particularly projects like the Middle Corridor, require railway lines, logistics centers, and digital infrastructure. Therefore, the development of collaborations with international organizations and the organization of international financial meetings by Central Asian states directly contribute to the region’s connectivity goals. Indeed, initiatives such as the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) are giving impetus to regional connectivity and cooperation.[vi]
Indeed, this trend can be seen in the steps taken by Uzbekistan in recent years. In this context, the Tashkent International Investment Forum, held on June 17, 2026, aimed to expand global investment networks and attract international capital. Within the framework of the forum, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the Tashkent International Financial Center would be established in accordance with reliable and investor-friendly regulations.[vii] These developments demonstrate that economic development policies and strategies in Central Asia are increasingly taking a central place.
Similarly, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group Annual Meetings took place in Azerbaijan from June 16-19, 2026, highlighting the relationship between regional connectivity and investment diplomacy. The meeting was held under the theme of “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity.” Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the country’s emergence as a regional energy and trade hub. IDB President Mohammad Suleiman Al Jasser also stated his intention to implement more projects aimed at facilitating trade and developing the private sector to deepen regional integration.[viii] This approach reflects the shared goals and agenda of the region-wide forums held in June.
In conclusion, the international forums held in June 2026 demonstrate that Central Asia is increasingly turning towards achieving its regional connectivity and economic development goals through investment diplomacy. Historically possessing the advantage of being a transit region, Central Asia is now redefining this historical role under new economic conditions through financing and investment. Trade links and international partnerships are being established to transform the region’s strategic location into an economic advantage. The examples of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan indicate that these goals are central to the foreign policies of these countries, in parallel with investment diplomacy. The successful long-term transformation of the Middle Corridor into a regional connectivity project depends on the development of its infrastructure and investment projects. Therefore, financing and collaborations obtained through investment diplomacy directly influence this process. Regional connectivity and investment diplomacy stand out as two fundamental factors in strengthening Central Asia’s global economic position. The extent to which these initiatives will produce concrete results in the coming period will be the most significant indicator of Central Asia’s transformation process.
[i] Karimjonova Shahlo Ravshanjonovna, “The Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road: Urgent Issues and Research Prospects”, Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/mudima/article/view/11759/11963, (Date of Access: 20.06.2026).
[ii] Shabir Ahmad Khan, “Trans-Regional Integration and Connectivity in Central Asia: Strategies of Russia, China and European Union”, Economic Diplomacy, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392117660_Trans-Regional_Integration_and_Connectivity_in_Central_Asia_Strategies_of_Russia_China_and_European_Union, (Date of Access: 20.06.2026).
[iii] Dr. Magsud Mammadov, Opinion: “Central Asia’s Shift from Silk Road Romance to Infrastructure Finance – What the June Forums Are Building”, The Times of Central Asia, https://timesca.com/central-asias-shift-from-silk-road-romance-to-infrastructure-finance-what-the-june-forums-are-really-building/, (Date of Access: 20.06.2026).
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.
[vi] Khan, a.g.m.
[vii] “Uzbek President pledges continued reforms, tax-free zone at Tashkent forum”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/uzbek-president-pledges-continued-reforms-tax-free-zone-tashkent-forum-2026-06-17/, (Date of Access: 21.06.2026).
[viii] “The 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings open in Baku under the patronage of the President of Azerbaijan”, IsDB, https://www.isdb.org/news/the-2026-isdb-group-annual-meetings-open-in-baku-under-the-patronage-of-the-president-of-azerbaijan, (Date of Access: 21.06.2026).
