BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 23. The Central Asian region has made significant progress since the establishment of SPECA, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Economy and Commerce Daniyar Amangeldiev said at the 18th meeting of SPECA's Board of Directors, TurkicWorld reports.

"We are in a geopolitically unique location that provides tremendous prospects for the expansion of transit routes, trade, and economic growth. Central Asia holds a vital place in today's world. This region is more than just a crossroads of commerce lines; it is a site where the interests of various countries and regions intersect," he emphasized.

The Minister also mentioned that the region is successfully moving towards strengthening economic stability, developing infrastructure, supporting education and health care, reducing poverty, and respecting gender equality. These achievements are the result of joint work and efforts that also contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN SPECA program was established on March 26, 1998.

At present, the SPECA member states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

SPECA provides a platform for sub-regional cooperation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can best be achieved through regional cooperation.

Azerbaijan is chairing the program in 2023 and hosting SPECA Days in Baku on November 20–24, 2023.