DUSHANBE, August 27, 2012, Asia-Plus — The Institute of Public Policy and Administration, University of Central Asia (UCA), as part of its Canadian supported “Regional Cooperation and Confidence Building in Afghanistan and Central Asia” (RCCB) project began its training program on trade and regional cooperation for 60 public servants from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, press release issued by UCA on August 27 said.
The program runs from August 25 to September 2, and key issues discussed at the seminar include; the crucial impact of international trade to Central Asia’s economic growth, and the contribution of regional trade to helping economic diversification. How Afghanistan, as a key region for transportation transit to the markets of South Asia, and with its ambitious programs for reconstruction can become a significant trading partner in a Greater Central Asia. The topics range from technical details of tariff and trade barriers, international finance, and international trade negotiations, and will provide in-depth analyses of Central Asia’s current state of regional trade and prospects for expansion.
The training is designed and delivered in cooperation with Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs’ Center for Trade Policy and Law. In addition there are speakers from a number of international organizations including the Asian Development Bank, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Institute of Public Policy and Administration staff will present results of their research on trade in the Central Asian region.
The Institute of Public Policy and Administration is a new initiative by the University of Central Asia. The Institute will focus on an in-depth analysis of economic policy as well as organize quality professional development opportunities for civil servants in the region.
The training is organized in partnership with regional organizations such as the Institute for Retraining of Civil Servants (TJK), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (TJK) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (AFG), Ministry of Economy and Anti-Monopoly Policy (KG), and the Agency of Civil Service under the President of Kazakhstan. The event reportedly provides a unique opportunity for civil servants to meet colleagues from countries in the region for an exchange of views and experiences.
“For the University of Central Asia, this seminar organized through its Institute of Public Policy and Administration is an important intellectual contribution to Central Asia and Afghanistan’s public policy and cooperation issues. Through support from our partners, the Canadian Government and Carleton University, we hope this is a first step to a long-standing contribution to the region,” Dr Bohdan Krawchenko, Director General, UCA.
A second phase of the training seminar will be held in each of the four countries in early October, with contributions from local experts on issues related to trade and regional cooperation.
The project is supported by the Government of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and implemented by the University of Central Asia (UCA).
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for non-profit development is US$625 million.
