Yerbol Bukharbayev: From Khorgos to Maku, Economic Diplomacy Makes Our Future

According to the Maku Free Zone News Agency, Yerbol Bukharbayev, President of the Association of Special Economic Zones of Kazakhstan and Regional Director of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) in Central Asia, emphasized the vital role of economic diplomacy in building connections, trust, and sustainable growth among ECO member states during his speech at the Maku 2025 International Economic Summit. While expressing his appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran—especially Mr. Hossein Garousi, CEO of the Maku Free Zone Organization—for providing an effective platform for regional dialogue and cooperation, he stated: Kazakhstan and Iran have long-standing historical ties through trade and cultural routes; today, these connections are revitalized through economic diplomacy and the capacities of free zones. Referring to successful initiatives such as the establishment of the Kazakhstan–Iran Trade House at the Khorgos border center, Bukharbayev described these platforms as more than commercial hubs, portraying them as strategic gateways to the Chinese market that enable logistical cooperation, mutual certification, and cross-border investment. He also spoke about his recent visit to the Khorgos project and his participation in meetings in Turkmenistan aimed at defining an economic corridor from China to Iran. He added: The success of the joint Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan free zone demonstrates that the prosperity of free zones is not limited to tax exemptions alone, but also requires strong institutional infrastructure, transparent governance, adherence to ESG principles, and integration with global standards. The Regional Director of the World Free Zones Organization went on to invite Iranian representatives to actively participate in the organization’s Global Congress, which will be held from October 10 to 12, 2025, in Hainan, China. The event will coincide with the inauguration of the Global Free Zones Research Institute. Bukharbayev also presented four practical proposals to strengthen regional cooperation: Establishing an integrated logistics corridor linking Maku, Urmia, Khorgos, and Shanghai with a focus on agricultural and petrochemical products. Developing a regional joint certification system for halal, organic, and green products. Launching an ESG investment platform focused on clean energy and water resources. Holding joint training programs for free zone managers with the participation of regional universities. In conclusion, he proposed the creation of a unified regional payment system to facilitate financial transactions, expand digital trade, and reduce economic exchange costs within the ECO framework.