U.S., Central Asian states launch B5+1 business platform
The U.S., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan announced the launch of B5+1 business platform as part of C5+1 cooperation platform, Kazinform News Agency reports citing the U.S. Department of State.
The new initiative will focus on economic security via the development of regional economic integration and reforms, public-private dialogue, innovation and foreign investment.
The first meeting of the new business platform is reported to be held in Almaty in 2024.
Earlier, Director of the Center for Accountable Investment of the Center for International Private Enterprise Erik Hontz noted that Central Asia had been the world’s one of the most undercapitalized regions with medium level of income.
In this view, investments should be injected in real infrastructure, railroads, automobile communication through densely populated cities such as Almaty, Bishkek, Tashkent and others.
B5+1 initiative is one of positive steps, where the United States can play a leading role in assisting the region in its economic integration.
During the C5+1 Summit held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, U.S. President Joe Biden announced creation of private-sector business platform to complement the C5+1 diplomatic platform.
