On October 24, Administrator Samantha Power chaired the C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, bringing together governments from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. During the meeting, Administrator Power announced an additional $14.3mn in regional programming, signifying a strengthened partnership between the United States and Central Asian nations. These investments target environmental sustainability, economic growth, and information integrity.
Supporting Greener Energy Use
USAID will collaborate with Central Asian nations to exchange strategies for reducing carbon emissions. This involves making Central Asia's electricity generation more efficient and implementing energy-efficient technologies, all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.
Simplifying Exchange of Goods Across Borders
USAID will support the modernization of customs systems in Central Asian countries. This initiative seeks to enhance cross-border trade and connectivity by automating processes and implementing common protocols and procedures, ultimately reducing transit times for goods.
Fostering Private Sector Investments
USAID's $10.8mn contribution will encourage economic growth in Central Asia. It will match private investments with grants for up to 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in sectors like ICT and the green economy. These enterprises will focus on improving business operations and increasing sales through software tools, boosting efficiency and innovation.
- This project is expected to create and improve jobs for 8,000 Central Asians and provide skills tailored to the twenty-first century economy for women, youth, and vulnerable populations.
USAID Central Asia Information Integrity Initiative
A new $1.5mn regional program aims to enhance the quality of online and media information. It will equip citizens with the skills to detect and counter misinformation, promote media literacy, and counter disinformation by training journalists and media professionals in investigative and data journalism. Local governments will collaborate to develop policies that mitigate misinformation and disinformation.
Advancing Energy Security and Regional Electricity Trade
USAID's decade-long support for renewable energy in Central Asia will receive an additional $2mn. This investment will promote private-sector investments and mobilize climate financing to expand renewable energy, fostering transparent business practices and innovation from U.S. companies while encouraging stronger commercial integration in the region.
The ministers from the five Central Asian countries issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to enhancing regional cooperation with the United States, strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, diversifying export-import markets, promoting green energy and energy efficiency, and driving inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Earlier Daryo reported that the C5+1 Development Ministerial began in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with a strong opening speech from Administrator Samantha Power. This event, held in Central Asia, is regarded as a vital platform for regional cooperation and the pursuit of fresh economic prospects. Administrator Samantha Power, representing the United States, stressed the significance of this occasion, referring to it as a turning point for Central Asia.
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