The trade volume between the countries of Central Asia has exceeded $11 billion. This was announced by the First Deputy Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Timur Zhaksylykov, at the international forum B5+1 in Almaty, Kazinform reports.
He emphasized that over the past 10 years, the volume of mutual trade has increased by 2.5 times.
Zhaksylykov noted the importance of developing trade relations between the countries of the region, as it contributes to economic growth, job creation, and socio-economic prosperity.
He also emphasized that Kazakhstan is the largest exporter in this region, and its share in the total trade volume is about 70%.
"In total, the volume of mutual trade of all countries has exceeded $11 billion, and Kazakhstan's share in this volume is about 70%. Our exports alone amount to $5.5 billion to our neighboring countries," he said.
The First Deputy Minister also highlighted investment projects and the development of transport infrastructure. According to him, Kazakhstan is investing in the creation of automobile crossings with partner countries.
"You know that we constantly hear about problems with large traffic jams, which partly arise due to certain bottlenecks. Now we are actively working on this with our neighbors, partner countries. Over the past years, Kazakhstan has invested tens of billions of dollars in the development of thousands of kilometers of railways, thousands of kilometers of highways to ensure transit, export routes," he noted.
Overall, strengthening regional cooperation, improving the investment climate, according to the Deputy Minister, are becoming key factors for the development of economic cooperation and improving the business climate in Central Asia.
"This, in general, increases the attractiveness of our region for external partners," added the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
It is worth noting that the first international forum B5+1 with the participation of business and government representatives from the USA and the countries of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan - is taking place in Almaty.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 16, 2024