The B5+1 Forum ("Business 5+1"), which brought together the countries of Central Asia and the United States, has concluded in Almaty. Iw is been organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).
In addition to representatives from the C5+1 countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, plus the USA), participants of the forum included representatives from 10 countries, five international organizations, and over 400 business associations and chambers of commerce from both the region and beyond.
"It is crucial to maintain a continuous dialogue among the business communities of all five Central Asian countries and to position our region as an attractive 77-million market for US companies, as well as for the business communities of other interested states. In this format, many issues between business communities can be resolved, and positions can be timely conveyed to the governments of each country," said Askar Sydykov, Executive Director of the International Business Council.
Prior to the B5+1 Forum, participants identified five priority sectors that could be more attractive to international investors and important for the development of regional markets: transportation and logistics, e-commerce, tourism, environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources, as well as agribusiness.
Forum participants acknowledged the need for joint efforts between the governments and business circles of the C5+1 countries to position Central Asia as an attractive economic destination, rather than just a transit zone in global value chains.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 18, 2024