The first ever Forum gathered more than 250 business leaders, investors, policymakers, and experts to address the challenges in conducting business within Central Asia and to jointly explore potential solutions.
B5+1 functions as the business-oriented counterpart to C5+1, the diplomatic platform facilitating relations among Central Asian nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) and the United States.
Selected media mentions are listed below.
Yahoo!Finance
“With support from the U.S. Department of State, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) will continue to lead B5+1 activities in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Central Asia,” Statement from The US State Department.
U.S. Plan for Central Asian Integration Gets Thumbs Up From Key Players
Eurasianet.org
Kyrgyz Deputy Economics Minister Ainura Usenbekova expressed hope that B5+1 meetings will become an annual “tradition,” going on to announce Bishkek is ready to host a gathering next year.
United States launches initiative to foster Central Asian connectivity
The Astana Times on X
Dr Frederick Starr on Future of Central Asia and Regional Cooperation