TURKEY’S INFLUENCE IN THE OTS COUNTRIES: ECONOMIC COOPERATION, REALITIES, AND PROSPECTS

The article examines the specifics of Turkey’s policy aimed at strengthening its influence in the countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Ankara at­taches great importance to promoting the idea of creating a free trade zone along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and combining it with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. In this context, the Turkish side sets the goal of reducing and then eliminating customs duties, optimizing transit procedures and ensuring safe transport links between the East and the West. Against the backdrop of deepening humanitarian and cultural interaction, one of the priorities in Turkey’s policy is the development of trade and economic ties, where the main focus, especially recently, has been on construction, contracting and investment projects. The authors also describe the main directions, tools and methods for promoting the interests of the Turkish side, the achievements, problems and challenges it faces, as well as assess the state of various areas of cooperation and the prospects for its de­velopment both regionally and nationally. The conclusion is that in the near future, Turkish business will be able to compete in the OTS countries with companies from leading world powers in the field of investment and services, including contract work.