The C5+1 Development Ministerial in Samarkand, Uzbekistan kicked off with a powerful opening intervention by Administrator Samantha Power. The event, hosted in Central Asia, is seen as a crucial platform for the region's countries to collaborate and explore new economic opportunities. Administrator Samantha Power, representing the United States, emphasized the importance of this moment, citing it as an inflection point for Central Asia.
Power began by highlighting the recent commitments made by Central Asian leaders and President Biden at the United Nations General Assembly last month. President Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to strengthening the sovereignty, resilience, and prosperity of all nations in the region. She commended the steps already taken by several countries, including enacting reforms to attract more investment, sharing energy and water resources, and cooperating with civil society partners to tackle issues such as child and forced labor.
These reforms, Power noted, hold the potential to boost wages, and enhance stability, and overall prosperity across Central Asia. Economic connectivity, she stressed, is essential to achieve this goal, as it will promote economic growth in the region and ensure inclusive development for all citizens.
Central Asia's leaders were encouraged to work towards lowering barriers to interregional and international trade. By doing so, they can attract new investments, open new export markets, and stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. Power also underlined the importance of knowledge and technology sharing to diversify economies, adapt to climate change, and harness renewable energy more efficiently.
The Administrator's remarks highlighted the historical significance of Central Asia as a hub of trade, notably along the Silk Road. Power pointed out that the region has consistently demonstrated how trade and collaboration can drive transformative progress. Central Asia has the potential to serve as a model for the rest of the world, demonstrating how trade and cooperation among neighboring countries can benefit all citizens, strengthen sovereignty, ensure enduring stability, and bring prosperity to the region.
In closing, Power reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting Central Asia's development and collaboration efforts. Quoting President Biden, she stated that "we are stronger... and the world is safer when we stand together."
The C5+1 Development Ministerial provides a promising platform for Central Asian nations to build upon this commitment, fostering economic growth and regional stability through cooperation and trade. The event continues with high expectations for fruitful discussions and further commitments to strengthen the region's prosperity.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)