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THE HISTORY AND PRESENT OF INTEGRATION PROCESSES IN CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES. PROBLEMS
AND SOLUTIONS Rahmanov Nuriddin Khushbokovich
Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy https://www.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10652839
EURASIAN I0URNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
This article examines the history and present state of integration processes in Central Asian countries, analyzing challenges and proposing solutions for enhanced cooperation and unity. It explores historical contexts, existing integration initiatives, and potential pathways to overcome obstacles and foster regional integration.
Received: 05th February 2024 Accepted: 12th February 2024 Online: 13th February 2024
KEY WORDS
Central Asia, Integration Processes,Regional Cooperation, Challenges, Solutions, Historical Context, Economic Integration, Political Stability, External Influences, Regional
Development.
Introduction: Central Asia, comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, has witnessed various attempts at regional integration throughout its history. This article explores the evolution of integration processes in Central Asian countries, analyzes existing challenges, and proposes potential solutions to foster greater cooperation and unity in the region.
In last two years international relations in Central Asian region have become more accelerated, as results issues and conflicts gathered within the years solved and pushed the bilateral and multilateral relations among Central Asian countries. Unofficial March meeting in 2018 of Central Asian Presidents (except Turkmenistan) in Kazakhstan gave opportunity to try to find solutions for vexed problems like water issues, border issues and etc. such kind of activities taken by Central Asian countries returns the hope of strengthening integration processes in Central Asia. Here comes the hope to restart integration processes among Central Asian Republics (CARs) stopped after uniting Organization for Central Asian Cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Community and ceased to exist. For further researching the integration processes it should be stated the shortcomings and achievements of integration experience from the USSR collapse in 1991.
The Central Asian states have common interests in forming a single economic space, ensuring civil peace and inter-ethnic harmony, maintaining territorial integrity, law and order, and neutralizing the causes and conditions conducive to the emergence of social and inter-ethnic conflicts, separatism . In addition, there are threats of a transnational nature, the prevention of which requires joint action. Among these threats, the most dangerous are the
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growth of extremism and terrorism, the proliferation of drugs and weapons, the restriction of access to the world market, scientific and technical products and the latest technologies . In conditions when Central Asian states connect common borders, shared river basins, the once united energy systems, the network of roads and railways, the traditional internal market, there is no alternative to integration. Especially if we consider that the implementation of integration is possible and most effective through a system of interstate multilateral agreements and treaties. In other words, positive trends in the mobilization of intraregional resources can take place under certain conditions, especially with the appropriate political climate.
Background. Central Asia, which includes the post-Soviet countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, is a region with common ethnic, historical, religious and cultural roots. It is no coincidence that after the proclamation of their independence in the early 1990s, the countries of Central Asia voiced their interest in the idea of the regional community. In January 1994, an agreement was signed in Tashkent on the forming the Central Asian Economic Community (CAEC) between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which Kyrgyzstan soon joined . Countries have begun to develop and implement projects aimed at deepening economic integration in Central Asia. Economic sphere was the driving power for further developing newly independent CARs. In the first half of the decade, CARs started to develop legal base of not only economic integration, but also other spheres including political, military, security and so on as well as coordination intergovernmental structures . An Intergovernmental Council, a Council of Foreign Ministers, a Council of Defense Ministers, and a peacekeeping battalion (Centrazbat) were established under CAEC. In addition, the Central Asian Bank for Cooperation and Development was established with an initial capital of $ 9 million US dollars. The parties even talked about plans to create a Central Asian parliament. In April 1995, in Bishkek, the prime ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed a 5-year plan for economic integration . In December 1997, in Astana, the presidents of the countries signed a protocol on the formation of an international consortium on energy, water resources, food, minerals and raw materials. In 1998, the ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan discussed the main issues of water allocation, environment, migration policy and economic development . Tajikistan joined the group in 1998 - after which the countries signed an agreement on the establishment of a hydropower consortium and agreed on common principles for creating a single market. Drawing attention to the dynamics of leadership meetings, some researchers noted that Central Asia was able to develop supranational coordinating structures that were more effective than CIS mechanisms. It should be emphasized that in view of the proclaimed neutrality of Turkmenistan, the country did not join the initiatives, but President S.Niyazov also spoke of the need to create a Confederation of the five Central Asian republics in the mid-90s . Despite a positive start, integration turned out to be unattainable in subsequent years. As a result of friction between countries, after the ambitious Central Asian Union, the cooperation was renamed the Central Asian Economic Community (CAEC), and then the Organization of Central Asian Cooperation OCAC (December 2001). Russia joined to OCAC in May 2004.
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There is an opinion that Russia was called upon to become a mediator in the protracted disputes between the countries themselves, which at that time turned out to be weaker than their own integration initiatives. Further, OCAC altogether united with the Eurasian Economic Community in 2005 and ceased to exist. In overall, 1994 to 2005 can be characterized as the period of ineffective implementation. Numerous declarations resulted only in slow integration with no tangible results. The organization's name changed from the Central Asian Union to Central Asian Economic Community, and later to Organization Central Asian Union. Throughout the Union's existence, its major issues remained sharing water resources effectively and equitably and removing trade and custom barriers.
The shortcomings and achievements of integration in Central Asia Central Asian Republics (CARs) connect the general tasks of the transition period, which are to reform political and economic structures. In this situation, the main problems for them become the search for ways to unite efforts for the effective use of common economic potential. Only by coordinating the foreign policy strategy of the countries of CARs can ensure their national security and economic integration. In the evolution of intergovernmental relations, the countries of Central Asia went through several stages. This evolution was determined by the internal political situation in each of the republics, the personal characteristics of political leaders and the characteristics of the economy, which affected the dynamics of integration processes in the region. The CIS states inherited from the USSR a number of close relations that objectively push them to re-create a complex of economic ties of an integration type. It can be noted that as an example such spheres common energy and transport systems, networks of radio and telecommunications, oil and gas pipelines. However, it cannot be said that integration into the CARs is progressing well. The mechanisms for the implementation of agreements are still not regulated; there is no coordination of customs, credit, tax and budgetary policies. To identify the causes of the weakness of the results of integration in the CAR, it is necessary to analyze the degree of its compliance with the conditions and prerequisites of international economic integration. In general, the integration process in the CAR is slow. This is determined by a number of reasons, the main of which are different models of economic reform and economic growth rates. The processes of differentiation of economic and political systems, national interests and international orientations so far prevail over the trend of integration. Analysis of the development of integration processes within the Central Asian region allowed identifying the following positive trends in regional cooperation: Firstly, A legal framework for the development of integration cooperation of states in the Central Asian region has been formed. Agreements on eternal friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have been concluded. On April 30, 1994, the Agreement on the creation of a Common Economic Space was signed between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It laid the legal foundation for the economic cooperation of the Central Asian states and envisaged ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital, labor, and conducting a coordinated accounting, fiscal, tax, tariff, customs, and monetary policy. In order to implement this Treaty at the intergovernmental level, a Program of Action was developed on the formation of a Common Economic Space, where measures were identified to deepen the integration interaction of the member states in all sectors of the economy. This treaty should be reconsidered in order to take into account some
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aspects of bilateral and multilateral relations among CARs as well as countries' membership of other integration institutions. Besides, An organizational structure has been created to deepen the interaction of the countries of the Central Asian region. In order to implement the Treaty on the Establishment of a Single Economic Space, an Interstate Council has been established, consisting of heads of state, councils of prime ministers, and foreign and defense ministers.
The following issues remain unresolved:
1. The lack of a mechanism for the implementation of decisions. In Central Asia, as well as in the Commonwealth of Independent States, on many issues there is a discrepancy in the positions of the participating States. The level of implementation of the adopted decisions remains low, and the documents themselves are of a general, recommendatory nature. In particular, the problem remains the issue of rational use of water and energy resources of the countries of the Central Asian region. In accordance with the above-mentioned Agreement on the use of input-energy resources of the Syrdarya river basin, by which Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan assume obligations for guaranteed supplies of coal, fuel oil and gas to Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan, in turn, undertakes to provide water resources for the sowing period of the economy of these states. The existence of many unsolved problems and the lack of concerted actions by all parties in overcoming them hinder the development of integration processes in the transport sector.
2. Different levels of economic development in Central Asia. The states of the Central Asian region have a multi-level and multi-speed economy, which is a deterrent in deepening the integration interaction of the countries of Central Asia. The most stable economic growth rates are observed only in some countries, which, according to the results of previous years and now, is one of the leaders among the CIS countries in terms of the growth rate of GDP .
3. Inefficient development of mutual trade of Central Asian states. Differences in the pace and scale of economic liberalization, the low level of economic interaction between the Central Asian states have become the main factors of the ineffective development of mutual trade between them. It should be noted that the economies of the countries of Central Asia complement each other in many ways, which creates an opportunity for expanding the product range in the mutual trade of the Central Asian states. The current situation indicates the presence of many unresolved problems in regional cooperation of the countries of Central Asia, the level of implementation of decisions taken remains low. Restraining factors in the development of regional cooperation are not only the various rates of economic transformation in the countries of Central Asia, but also the introduction of all sorts of restrictions in mutual trade, the presence of high political and economic risks of investing.
4. Problems of unregulated migration of the population of Central Asia. Thus, an important integrating factor is the need to jointly solve the economic and environmental problems of the region, to consolidate the efforts of all the states of Central Asia to ensure national and regional security and to counter the global challenges and threats of present.
Abovementioned shortcomings which were present during 1990s and even today CARs these shortcomings don't let the integration develop among countries. A recent review of the experience with regional cooperation initiatives worldwide and in Asia concluded with nine lessons that are highly relevant for Central Asia.
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1. Building effective regional institutions is difficult, takes a long time, and requires incremental, gradual, and flexible implementation with visible payoffs.
2. It is preferable to keep the number of members in sub-regional and regional organizations manageable. Membership should be based on shared geography and common regional interests.
3. Adequate funding mechanisms for regional investments are essential.
4. Successful cooperation requires leadership at the country, institutional, and individual levels.
5. External assistance can be helpful in setting up and sustaining sub-regional institutions, but it cannot substitute for ownership of the process from within the region.
6. Open regionalism - i.e., the creation of institutions that are open to extraregional participation and do not discriminate against non-regional economies in the long term - is the most successful strategy as demonstrated in the case of East and South-East Asia.
7. Regional economic cooperation organisations that involve ministries of finance or economy and central banks tend to be more effective than those that rely on the leadership of line ministries or foreign affairs.
8. Transparency and the engagement of the business community and civil society strengthen the mechanisms for regional cooperation.
9. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of countries under regional agreements is important, as are incentives for better compliance. Energy sector for Central Asian countries as a driving power may push integration processes into South Asia, where CARs may get an access into world markets by seaways. Concept "Greater Central Asia" suggested by Frederik Star which considered connecting Central Asia and South Asia through Afghanistan is becoming reality.
International conference dedicated to Peace process, security cooperation and regional connectivity held in Tashkent in March in 2018. During this conference CARs support the recent progress in regional economic cooperation and connectivity projects that recognize Afghanistan as a natural land-bridge connecting Central Asia with South Asia and the wider region. Economic integration of Afghanistan in the region will further contribute to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the wider region.
1. Historical Context: Central Asia has a rich history of cultural, economic, and political interconnectedness, dating back to the Silk Road era. However, the region also experienced periods of division and external domination, particularly during the Soviet era, which left a legacy of administrative borders and geopolitical tensions.
2. Post-Soviet Independence: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Central Asian countries gained independence and embarked on nation-building processes. Initial efforts at regional cooperation focused on economic integration, with the establishment of organizations such as the Central Asian Economic Union and the Central Asian Union.
3. Challenges to Integration: Despite aspirations for closer cooperation, Central Asian integration has been hindered by a range of challenges:
a. Historical Rivalries: Lingering historical animosities and border disputes have strained relations between some Central Asian countries.
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b. Political Instability: Authoritarian governance, weak institutions, and political tensions within and between countries have impeded progress towards integration.
c. Economic Disparities: Socioeconomic disparities, unequal development, and resource competition have hindered efforts to create a common economic space.
d. External Influences: The involvement of external powers, including Russia, China, and the United States, has complicated regional dynamics and sometimes undermined integration efforts.
4. Present Integration Initiatives: Despite challenges, Central Asian countries have initiated several integration projects in recent years:
a. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU): Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are members of the EAEU, promoting economic cooperation and trade integration with Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and other former Soviet states.
b. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Founded in 2001, the SCO aims to enhance security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges among its member states, including four Central Asian countries (excluding Turkmenistan).
c. Transport and Infrastructure Projects: Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional transport corridors seek to improve connectivity and facilitate trade between Central Asian countries and their neighbors.
5. Solutions for Enhanced Integration: To overcome existing challenges and promote greater integration in Central Asia, the following solutions could be considered:
a. Addressing Historical Grievances: Encouraging dialogue, reconciliation, and confidence-building measures to resolve historical disputes and foster mutual understanding.
b. Strengthening Institutions: Investing in institutional capacity-building, good governance, and the rule of law to promote stability and trust among Central Asian countries.
c. Promoting Economic Diversification: Supporting economic diversification, innovation, and inclusive development to reduce disparities and foster shared prosperity.
d. Balancing External Engagement: Balancing engagement with external powers to ensure that external partnerships contribute to regional stability and development without undermining Central Asian sovereignty.
Conclusion: Integration processes in Central Asia face numerous challenges, but also offer significant opportunities for cooperation and development. By addressing historical grievances, strengthening institutions, promoting economic diversification, and balancing external engagement, Central Asian countries can overcome barriers to integration and build a more prosperous and unified region.
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