C5+1 countries say Trans-Caspian route will boost US-Central Asia trade

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20. Shared efforts to further develop the Trans-Caspian Trade Route will catalyze unprecedented two-way trade and investment between Central Asia and the United States, according to the U.S. Department of State. The claim appears in a joint statement released by the governments of the United States, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on the occasion of the C5+1 Ministerial in Samarkand.

The statement says the countries support greater regional economic integration in Central Asia through expanded intraregional trade, improved transport connectivity, harmonized customs procedures and stronger industrial cooperation. The aim is a competitive regional market connected with the United States.

The governments also envision expanded opportunities for American companies operating in Central Asia, and for Central Asian enterprises to invest in and operate within the U.S. market. They seek to foster a region where e-commerce flourishes, innovative solutions abound and talented entrepreneurs thrive, leveraging secure and trusted technology.