The Central Asia Trade Forum, the region’s flagship international event for companies and exporters, opened today in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Over 500 leaders from government, business and civil society from Central and South Asia, Europe, and the United States gathered to explore investment and innovation in horticulture across the region.

“The United States Government is committed to encouraging trade and investment in the region and supports the growing prosperity of the Central Asian people,” said William H. Moser, U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan.

The forum creates opportunities for public-private dialogue on important regional and international trade policies and trends. In addition, event organizers also provide participants with practical training sessions on export promotion and quality management.

In partnership with the Shymkent Akimat, the United States Government is the primary sponsor of the forum through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Competitiveness, Trade, and Jobs activity in Central Asia. Other partners supporting the forum include the Agrobiz Kazakhstan Agricultural Portal, the ATAMEKEN National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, CERT Academy, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). EBRD and UNDP are bringing their global experience on innovative horticulture to Shymkent. Additionally, UNDP is showcasing organic horticulture which is set to rapidly expand in the region.

By helping firms become more regionally competitive and by addressing impediments to cross-border trade, the United States is helping to develop a more diverse and competitive private sector and generate more export-driven growth in Central Asia. 

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For more information on the Central Asia Trade Forum, visit: www.catradeforum.org. The USAID Mission to Central Asia has worked in partnership with the region’s countries since their independence. Our programs partner with the governments, private sector, and people of Central Asia to expand trade and markets; enhance cooperation on energy and water; and improve governance and social services. USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. For more information, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional.