USAID Hosts 13th Annual Central Asia Trade Forum
The 13th Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) has kicked off in Almaty, Kazakhstan, organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This year’s theme, “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally,” brings together more than 300 business executives and government officials from various countries to discuss ways to boost trade in Central Asia.
Key topics on the agenda include digitalization, transport, logistics, trade regulations, and efforts to align with World Trade Organization standards. The forum aims to address barriers to trade and promote connectivity in the region.
Since its inception, CATF has facilitated the signing of over US$32 million in contracts and has attracted more than 10,000 government and business leaders from 25 countries. The event features keynote speakers from Central Asian Ministries of Trade, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, QazTrade, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route Association, and TRACECA.
In addition to the forum, there is a trade fair showcasing products from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as a Pakistan-Kazakhstan Trade Opportunities Forum for Women-Owned Businesses. The Regional Meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committees is also taking place to discuss customs, transport, and streamlining trade procedures in the region.
USAID’s Trade Central Asia activity, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and GIZ are the primary sponsors of CATF. The event is supported by various media partners and aims to promote trade and economic growth in Central Asia.
Central Asian countries have made significant progress in the past two decades, with strong growth potential. The region’s GDP has grown at an annual average of 6.2 percent, and foreign trade has multiplied sevenfold since 2000. In 2022, the combined imports and exports of Central Asian countries amounted to nearly US$190 billion.
For more information about CATF, visit www.catradeforum.org #catf2024. USAID is committed to driving development results in Central Asia, for more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
