News in Brief:
– USAID has launched the 13th Central Asia Trade Forum, convening over 300 delegates to enhance trade connectivity and policy in the region.
– The forum facilitates discussions on digitalisation, logistics, and trade regulations, aiming to catalyse economic opportunities and strengthen regional trade ties.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) kickstarts the 13th Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together over 300 delegates from across the globe. This year’s forum, themed “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally,” serves as a pivotal platform for fostering trade partnerships and addressing key challenges in the region.
The forum aims to facilitate discussions on enhancing connectivity, commerce, and trade policy in Central Asia. Participants engage in sessions focusing on digitalisation, transport, logistics, trade regulations, and harmonisation efforts, with a keen focus on eliminating barriers to trade within the region.
Zeinah Salahi, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator at USAID, underscores the agency’s commitment to fostering stability and prosperity in Central Asia through enhanced trade cooperation. With over a decade of support, it has played a crucial role in facilitating trade agreements and fostering economic growth in the region.
Since its inception, the CATF has facilitated the signing of contracts worth over US$32 million and has welcomed thousands of government and business leaders from around the world. This year’s forum promises to further catalyse economic opportunities and strengthen trade ties between Central Asia and its global partners.
In addition to the CATF, several parallel events are taking place, including a trade fair featuring companies from across Central Asia, a Pakistan-Kazakhstan Trade Opportunities Forum for Women-Owned Businesses, and the 11th Regional Meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committees. These events aim to explore trade opportunities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and food products, while also addressing key trade facilitation challenges in the region.
