Central Asia: cooperation towards a common labor market and human capital development

On November 15–16, 2025, the VII Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia is being held in Tashkent, opening a new stage in deepening regional cooperation and strengthening strategic partnership.

On the agenda are not only issues of economic integration, environmental sustainability and the development of transport links, but also one of the key areas is cooperation in the labor market and the development of human capital.

The common labor space of Central Asia is the key to sustainable development

One of the most important factors uniting the countries of Central Asia is human potential. The region's labor resources represent a huge economic reserve, and their effective use is a priority for all states.

The formation of a common labor space based on a unified approach to regulating the labor market, legal registration of labor mobility and the exchange of qualified personnel is the requirement of the time.

In this context, the policy of “legal, safe and orderly labor” promoted by Uzbekistan Migration" is becoming an important link in regional cooperation.

Uzbekistan's modern approach to managing labor migration

Created just a year ago, the new Migration Agency of Uzbekistan is radically changing ideas about how the country manages labor mobility - from temporary employment abroad to the professional reintegration of citizens returning to their homeland.

Established under the Cabinet of Ministers on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the agency coordinates state policy in the field of external labor migration, protects the rights of citizens abroad and creates new bridges for their employment in qualified jobs.

Today Uzbekistan is implementing official labor agreements with a number of countries, including the Republic Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Slovakia, Great Britain, Slovenia, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria and others. Systematic work in this direction contributes not only to the creation of new jobs for citizens, but also to the strengthening of their legal protection abroad.

Regional cooperation is a strategic direction for the development of human capital

Cooperation between Central Asian countries in the field of labor and education contributes not only to economic, but also social and cultural rapprochement.

Uzbekistan is actively participating in this process, promoting specific initiatives for the training of specialists, the exchange of information on the labor market and the harmonization of qualification recognition systems.

Regional cooperation in areas such as the digitalization of migration processes, the creation of unified information platforms and the legalization of labor activity is of particular importance.

The development of human capital is the basis of the future progress

As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted: “Human capital is the country’s greatest wealth and the basis of its future development.”

Based on this, large-scale work is underway in Uzbekistan to bring the vocational education system in line with international standards, prepare young people for work abroad and confirm their qualifications.

Preparatory centers created under the Migration Agency, educational programs for in-demand professions, as well as psychological and legal consultations - all this is the practical embodiment of the effective development of human capital.

Conclusion

The Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia taking place in Tashkent is a step towards open, partner-based and human potential-based future of the region.

Uzbekistan continues to be an active and proactive participant in this process, consistently pursuing policies aimed at developing a common labor market, increasing human capital and protecting the interests of its citizens.