The CATF is an annual event designed to foster trade and economic cooperation within Central Asia and connect the region with global markets. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will host the 13th Central Asia Trade Forum, entitled “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally,” on May 14 & 15, 2024 at the Rixos Hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) is a major trade event advancing connectivity, commerce, and trade policy in the region.

With more than 10,000 government and business leaders from 25 countries in Central and South Asia, Europe, and the United States participating since its inception, CATF has enabled the signing of more than $32 million in contracts.

This year’s CATF is designed to open new trade possibilities and overseas markets, enabling participants to identify opportunities and expand the scope of regional trade. The forum will feature sessions on customs digitalization, transport and logistics, trade regulation (including regional trade agreements), World Trade Organization standards, and harmonization.

“The forum’s success is its ability to attract policymakers, business leaders, and trade experts each year. Agreements made at the forum have expanded businesses, strengthened trade between Central Asian nations, and advanced economic growth in the region and beyond,” said Luis A. Rivera, Regional Mission Director at USAID Central Asia.

Luis Rivera, Regional Mission Director of USAID/Central Asia invites you to attend the 13th Annual Central Asia Trade Forum, one of the most significant events promoting trade and connectivity in the region.

Keynote and invited speakers include Zeinah Salahi, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator of USAID’s Asia Bureau in Washington, D.C., and representatives from Central Asian Ministries of Trade, the International Finance Corporation, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route Association, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, QazTrade, KTZ Express, TRACECA, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

The forum has successfully added side events to attract even more investors and entrepreneurs:

● A trade fair running concurrently will feature 40 companies from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In partnership with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Trade and Integration and Almaty Chamber of Commerce and Investment, it will showcase agricultural, textile, apparel, and food products.

● A business-to-business expo featuring Central Asian products for global buyers.

● A Kazakhstan-Pakistan Trade Fair, showcasing Pakistan’s businesses’ potential for bolstering international economic ties.

In addition, the 11th Regional Meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committees of Central Asian countries will be held at the Rixos Hotel on May 15. It will attract business executives and officials from the five countries overseeing customs, transport, phytosanitary certification, and veterinary border control. Supported by the ‘Trade Facilitation in Central Asia’ regional project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this meeting will focus on roadmaps for digitalizing trade processes in Central Asia and developing a joint action plan to streamline trade procedures throughout the region.

USAID, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and GIZ are the primary sponsors of the Central Asia Trade Forum. Media partners include The Astana Times, Exclusive.kz, Profit.kz, Kapital.kz, and Orient Media-Turkmen News Agency.

To register for the CATF and learn more, visit www.catradeforum.org

Central Asian countries have made significant progress over the last two decades and have excellent growth potential. During the previous 20 years, the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) has expanded by an annual average of 6.2 percent in real terms, reaching US$347 billion. Since 2000, foreign trade turnover has surged sevenfold. In 2022, the Central Asian countries’ combined imports and exports were worth nearly US$190 billion.

Private sector of Turkmenistan on the forum is represented by:

• Economic society Hilli Gaplama - a dynamically developing producer of high-quality strawberries under the brand “Tudana”;

• Hasar - a family confectionery business founded in 2000 right in the heart of Turkmenistan, offering over 100 sweet delights;

• Economic society Ýigit - the first in Turkmenistan to be awarded and successfully pass all stages of the Global GAP certification standard;

• Economic society Tibet Türkmen known for its confectionary factory “Balşeker” and having a well-developed trading networks throughout the territory of Turkmenistan; and

• Economic society Owadan Ülke renowned for its pickled cucumbers, tomato paste, spreads of different fat content, canned vegetables and dessert paste with cocoa.

The forum started with the Plenary Session that focused on the complexities of trade regulations in Central Asia. This event is also a platform for B2B meetings, creating opportunities for businesses to connect and discuss potential partnerships, and for the exhibition showcasing products and services from Central Asian companies.

The event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including business executives, government officials, trade experts, and development professionals. Participation offers opportunities to network, learn about new trade opportunities, and gain insights into the evolving trade landscape in Central Asia.

For more details please visit the following links:

• CATF Website: https://catradeforum.org/

• Tentative Agenda: https://catradeforum.org/#agenda

• Speakers: https://catradeforum.org/sessions/speakers/

• Exhibition: https://catradeforum.org/exhibition-space/

CONTACT:

Assel Choibekova, Communications Director, USAID’s Trade Central Asia activity

Mobile: +7 701 756 33 67, Assel_Choibekova@dai.com

USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. For more information, visit the USAID/Central Asia website at https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional and the USAID/Central Asia Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USAIDCentralAsia