In a meeting held on October 24, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power and ministers from Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, gathered in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This meeting took place under the C5+1 regional diplomatic platform, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation in Central Asia.
The focus of the gathering, co-hosted by USAID and the Uzbekistani government, was to bolster trade, expand bilateral trade and investment, diversify export-import markets, promote green energy development and energy efficiency, and facilitate inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The meeting also underscored the importance of upholding human rights, particularly for women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Key outcomes and areas of collaboration included:
Addressing Global Developments: Acknowledging the impact of recent international developments on their nations, particularly in areas such as inflation, reverse migration, debt management, and employment rates.
Inclusive Economic Growth: Recognizing the significance of inclusive economic growth and economic resilience for the region's long-term prosperity and stability.
Climate Crisis Initiatives: Committing to collective and individual efforts to tackle the climate crisis, focusing on the increased use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, methane reduction, and the development of "green" economies.
USAID's Power Central Asia Initiative: Applauding USAID's ongoing Power Central Asia initiative, which supports the energy priorities of the C5 governments, specifically in energy security, clean energy development, and the integration of regional energy systems.
Water Resource Management: Emphasizing the importance of preserving glaciers, enhancing water resource management, and promoting regional and transboundary cooperation in water resource management.
Improving the Business Environment: Highlighting the need for improving the investment and business environment through regulatory and legal reforms.
Digital and Innovative Economies: Stressing the importance of developing digital, technological, and innovative economies to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
Enhancing Trade and Transport: Underlining the importance of strengthening intraregional trade and improving transport links and sustainability.
Diversifying Economic Connections: Recognizing the role of USAID's Trade Central Asia Activity and other U.S. government programs in diversifying external economic connections and opening up new export markets.
Trans-Caspian Trade Route: Acknowledging the significance of the Trans-Caspian Trade Route and other multimodal transport corridors in enhancing international transit and cargo transport.
Women's Economic Empowerment: Emphasizing efforts to scale up women's economic empowerment, workforce development, and employment opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Enhancing Accessibility: Recognizing regional efforts to improve accessibility, reduce the digital divide, and promote inclusive design to benefit persons with disabilities.
Community-Based Solutions: Highlighting the importance of local organizations in developing community-based solutions for sustainable economic growth.
Promoting Peace and Prosperity: Stressing that peace and prosperity in Central Asia require a sustained commitment to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all countries in line with the UN Charter and its principles.
The C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial reaffirmed the commitment of Central Asian nations and the United States to strengthen their cooperation, address common challenges, and pursue shared goals for the region's development and prosperity.
Earlier Daryo reported that in the course of the meeting, Administrator Power unveiled an extra $14.3mn in regional initiatives, marking an enhanced collaboration between the United States and the countries of Central Asia.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)