Central Asian Economic Cooperation Forum opened with a restricted meeting of the delegations from five Central Asian republics involving Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan E. Ganiev, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic K. Boronov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan J. Kasymbek, Deputy Prime Minister Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan M. Zokirzoda and Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan E.Annamukhamedov.

The parties noted the recent intensification of intercountry cooperation in all areas, which primarily reflected in significant growth in commodity turnover and strengthening of business interaction between business entities. It was repeatedly noted that the economies of the Central Asian republics in many areas are complementary. It is strategically important to maintain, strengthen and expand existing industrial and commercial relations by searching for mutually beneficial solutions and contact points.

Then the heads of delegations took part in the plenary session of the CAEF. More than 200 participants from international organizations, heads of local authorities, representatives of business entities, expert-analytical community of the Central Asian region, as well as potential foreign investors applied to participate in this event.

Deputy Prime Minister E. Ganiyev greeted the visitors acting as the organizer of the forum. During his speech he noted that Uzbekistan located in the very center of Central Asia is interested in regional stability, sustainable development and prosperity, as well as continuous and constructive cooperation to strengthen good relations with neighboring countries.

"We can achieve this through favorable conditions for trade, developing mutual markets, expanding transport communications, enhancing investment activities, and of course, direct contacts between entrepreneurs and business associations of the two countries,” emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.

Then, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan J.Kasymbek noted that the trade turnover of Kazakhstan with the countries of Central Asia increased for more than two times in amounted to $ 4.3 billion in 2018 for the last 10 years.

"Central Asia and its significant energy capacities, natural resources, transportation and communication networks becomes more important for geopolicy, - said J. Kasymbek in his report,

- Our region has transit potential and is a large regional market with more than 70 million people and an annual 5% economic growth. The main source being the impetus for cooperation development is the regular meetings of the heads of countries: both bilaterally and under integration structures. Besides, our countries are actively involved in such international projects like “One Belt - One Road”.

The role of Uzbekistan in expanding the partnership was noted: Last year in Astana, the President of the Republic Shavkat Mirziyoyev initiated a meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian countries for the first time in 13 years. Moreover, during the discussion, it was proposed to create a Center for International Trade and Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan including a new high-tech customs station. According to participants, this will increase trade turnover and tourist flow.

In turn, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic K. Boronov focused on the development of trade, economic and tourist potential of countries noting the need to use the strengths of each country. In particular, he noted that Kyrgyz Republic has the status of a universal system of preferences GSI+, which authorizes the Kyrgyz producers to export to Europe at zero tariff rates for about 6 thousand commodity items and could interest representatives of business entities in other countries.

In turn, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan M. Zokirzoda urged to unite the efforts of the Central Asian countries to develop measures to protect the Central Asia from increased global threats: food security, access to clean drinking water and water conservation, which is especially important against the background of regional population growth.

At the end of the plenary session, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan E.Annamukhamedov emphasized that every country in Central Asia is currently establishing its economic development model providing the most harmonious integration to global economic space. It was also announced that in this regard close relations in transport domain and development of transport infrastructure is one of the key areas for cooperation.

Resonating in their opinions, the heads of delegations highlighted the initiative to create a single visa "Silk-visa" for the Central Asian countries, which will contribute to the development of inter-regional tourism, as well as additional investments to the country's region.