DUSHANBE, April 4, 2016, Asia-Plus — Representatives of the five Central Asian nations and the United States gathered in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, today for a three-day meeting to discuss promotion of jobs, prosperity, and stability for the people of Central Asia.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan, the meeting participants are discussing issues related to trade and investment climate in Central Asia, including simplification of trade in the framework of U.S.-Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).
The meeting has reportedly brought together high-ranking officials from Kyrgyzstan, the United States, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
Working groups on customs, standardization, sanitation and phytosanitation measures are expected to hold working meetings to discuss the achieved progress and set plans for the next meeting.
Meanwhile the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek reports they will work together to enhance a spirit of cooperation and foster an open environment for international trade and investment through two efforts: the U.S. – Central Asian Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting, and the C5+1 Economic and Regional Connectivity working group.
Since the parties signed the agreement in 2004, the U.S. – Central Asia TIFA has provided an annual opportunity for all five Central Asian countries and the United States, along with Afghanistan, which participates as an observer, to discuss investment, trade, regional cooperation, development, and regulatory reform. This framework has proven to be a flexible mechanism that facilitates robust dialogue on these issues of mutual interest and further strengthens our economic cooperation.
In November 2015, the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and the Secretary of State of the United States issued an historic Joint Declaration of Partnership and Cooperation, known as the Samarkand Declaration. That document initiated the C5+1 effort to further enhance cooperation across the region.
The C5+1 initiative includes thematic working groups on regional economics and trade, environmental protection and renewable energy, and regional security threats. These working groups will prepare areas of further cooperation including concrete projects leading up to the next C5+1 ministerial this summer in the United States.
These collaborative engagements will advance shared issues of mutual interest such as customs policy issues and women’s economic empowerment, and provide a framework for our governments to continue cooperation on important economic issues. But most importantly, they will promote job growth and facilitate business contacts across the region.
