The first B5+1 Forum was held in Almaty from March 13 to 15, 2024, bringing together government representatives from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as private sector participants. This event was announced by US President Joe Biden as part of the C5+1 Summit in September 2023 and noted in the New York Declaration.
The B5+1 Forum, where “B” stands for business, was created as a private-sector complement to the C5+1 diplomatic platform, strengthening the economic partnership between Central Asian countries and the United States. It aims to stimulate dialogue between the public and private sectors to promote economic development and integration of the region.
The forum discussed key economic opportunities for business in Central Asia and the United States, including improving the business environment, developing regional economic integration, creating competitive markets and attracting foreign investment. Forum participants proposed a number of recommendations aimed at these goals.
With support from the U.S. Department of State, the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) will continue to play a leading role in the B5+1 Forum's efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Central Asia region.
Reported by Akchabar (Kyrgyzstan).
