State Department Highlights B5+1 Forum in U.S.-Central Asia Cooperation Efforts

The CIPE-led B5+1 Forum was recently highlighted in a U.S. Department of State press release following Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s meeting with Central Asian foreign ministers during the 79th annual session of the UN General Assembly. As the business counterpart to the C5+1 diplomatic platform, the B5+1 Forum focuses on accelerating regional integration and promoting private sector-driven economic development in Central Asia. The forum, first held in March 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, underscores efforts to enhance economic cooperation, strengthen connectivity, and empower the private sector in advancing the goals of the C5+1 Economic and Energy Corridors.

CIPE continues to support the B5+1 process with a vision of establishing it as an inclusive, sustainable, and locally-driven initiative that benefits both the business community and governments in Central Asia and the United States.

Addressing Barriers to Tourism Growth: B5+1 Subgroup Discusses Key Findings for Central Asia's Tourism Development

On September 11, 2024, the B5+1 regional subgroup on tourism held a virtual meeting under the IBECA program to discuss the preliminary findings of a study on tourism development in Central Asia. The study, led by IBECA expert Olimjon Alimurzaev from Tajikistan, with contributions from subgroup members, identified key challenges to tourism growth in the region.

Olimjon Alimurzaev presented the main challenges facing the tourism sector, along with potential solutions. The study, supported by IBECA, highlighted significant barriers preventing the increase of tourists to Central Asia, with visa restrictions being one of the primary issues. These restrictions hinder the free movement of tourists between countries in the region. The study also emphasized the need to automate permit processes, recommending the adoption of modern digital solutions to streamline visa and permit applications.

The participants concurred with the study’s findings and underscored the importance of enhancing both regional and international cooperation to promote sustainable tourism growth in Central Asia.

Advancing E-Commerce in Central Asia: IBECA Subgroup Virtual Meeting Highlights

On August 22, 2024, CIPE Europe and Eurasia hosted a virtual e-commerce subgroup meeting as part of the IBECA B5+1 programmatic activities. The meeting began with a presentation by Maksat Korooluev, Senior Program Manager of the Center for Digital Economy and Governance (CDEG) at CIPE. He outlined CIPE’s strategy and initiatives to support the global digital economy ecosystem, with a focus on Central Asia. Notable speakers also included Muzaffar A’zamov, Chairman of the E-Commerce Association of Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, participants reviewed key achievements and challenges related to the advocacy of recommendations for advancing e-commerce in Central Asian countries, as formulated under the National Business Agendas. The group acknowledged the need to intensify efforts to further develop e-commerce in the region and agreed to continue their collaboration. This includes the creation of framework agreements and strategies aimed at harmonizing legislation across the region. The participants also committed to ongoing discussions and collaboration in future meetings and forums.

Launch of the B5+1 Subgroup on Women's Entrepreneurship

On June 27, 2024, within the IBECA Program, an online meeting launched the B5+1 Subgroup on Women’s Entrepreneurship. Building on the success of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Agenda and the B5+1 Forum, as well as CIPE’s previous program facilitating women business agendas through coalitions in Central Asia, CIPE formed the B5+1 Subgroup on Women’s Entrepreneurship. This subgroup comprises women’s business coalitions and associations led by women, aiming to promote economic empowerment through regional economic integration and strengthening women’s roles in business.

Participants discussed regional priorities and the subgroup’s agenda in Central Asia, proposed cooperation models, and necessary resources for formulating and promoting recommendations to the C5+1 governments. Over 50 participants expressed interest in holding regular consultations to address regional priorities such as innovation, digitalization, knowledge exchange, promoting women in business leadership roles, women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas, the creative and care economy, mentorship and training programs, and societal attitudes toward women’s entrepreneurship.

The meeting was a significant step towards broadening economic opportunities for women in Central Asia. Participants expressed gratitude to CIPE for organizing and supporting the event and confirmed their commitment to further cooperation and advocacy with the C5+1 governments. As next steps, participants recommended developing an action plan and thematic agenda for regional advocacy, to be discussed during monthly meetings. They also expressed interest in connecting with U.S. women in business stakeholders to learn best practices and access resources for promoting women-led business leadership through innovation and digital economy tools.

CIPE meets AmCham Uzbekistan and AmCham Kyrgyz Republic in Washington

On June 24th, CIPE Program Director for Central Asia, Sobir Kurbanov, joined a meeting with CIPE’s partners, the American Chamber of Commerce of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, visiting the US for the Select USA investment summit, with the US Chamber of Commerce led by Jennifer Miel, Vice President for Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asia. Building on the post B5+1 forum momentum, the discussions centered around opportunities to strengthen the US Central Asia business connections, considering Central Asia as one region representing growing interest for the US and international businesses and investors.

In this regard, AmChams Central Asia are emerging as leading partners representing the voice of both regional and international companies. With the latest efforts supported by CIPE and USAID, AmChams Central Asia formed a strong regional network and stepped up their efforts to improve the business environment and promote Central Asia as an attractive destination for international businesses. The latest promising developments and reforms in Uzbekistan to eliminate administrative barriers for small business, accelerate the path towards WTO accession, the investment climate has been steadily improving.

The US Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger business ties through ongoing B2B and B2G engagements. CIPE, as an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, will continue to support these efforts under the B5+1 process.

CIPE at the CAMCA Forum 2024

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) led a panel on the “Future Vision of the B5+1 and Beyond” at the CAMCA Forum in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic (June 12-14, 2024). The event brought together 215 leaders from various sectors, representing 22 countries, to develop solutions and opportunities for the region.

Moderated by CIPE’s Program Director for Central Asia, Sobir Kurbanov, the panel featured discussions with B5+1 subgroup leaders and CAMCA region experts. The focus was on the sustainable future of the B5+1 process, highlighting the role of businesses in providing innovative solutions to C5+1 governments, leveraging opportunities within the WTO framework for integration, and emphasizing the importance of women in Central Asia’s key business sectors. The session concluded with a consensus that Central Asia is stronger together as a destination for investments and international markets.