Photo US-Tajikistan Business Council

Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan Look to Increase Economic Ties with US
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington

Executives from a diverse spectrum of American companies gathered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on June 24 and 25, 2024, for the US-Tajikistan Business Council (USTJBC) conference. The event represented a historic breakthrough in commerce relations by bringing the largest US business delegation to the Central Asian country in the history of the ties between the two nations and underscores Tajikistan’s commitment to pro-business reforms and policies.

The Tajik government’s collaborative efforts with council members and the broader business community, along with their openness to insights from top American companies, have been pivotal in organizing such a sizeable delegation and further fostering successful partnerships between the US and Tajikistan.

This year’s delegation, the third since the council’s inception in 2016, was also transformative, as USTJBC successfully brought together a blend of new and established companies, all focused on identifying mutually beneficial solutions to enhance economic prosperity for both Tajikistan and the United States. The two-day engagement included high-level business-to-government dialogues led by First Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hokim Kholiaqzoda and senior cabinet members. There were also private sector meetings and exchanges with the banking and IT sectors. One significant milestone was the launch of Google Pay through VISA’s partnership with Alif Bank.

Beyond business, the USTJBC mission was to reassure the Tajik people that they have steadfast friends in the United States who are committed to supporting and advancing the bilateral agenda. The organization stands ready to share knowledge, expertise, and platforms to facilitate further American investments in Tajikistan’s future.

Following the US-Tajikistan Business Council conference in Dushanbe, the US-Kyrgyzstan Business Council (USKGZBC) and its members also hosted a delegation of American companies in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on June 27 and 28, 2024.

This year’s delegation marked the largest in the history of American-Kyrgyz business relations and was also distinguished by the participation of many new companies and members, enriching and deepening commercial connections between the two nations. Alongside these new faces were longstanding members whose ongoing dedication has been pivotal in advancing the bilateral business agenda. Blending the enthusiasm of the new members with the wisdom and experience of established ones, the USKGZBC inspired greater collaboration, innovation, and motivation.

The primary objective of this visit was to reaffirm each American company’s steadfast commitment to enhancing commercial and investment relations between the two countries. The agenda was meticulously designed to include high-level dialogues between business and government led by Prime Minister H.E. Akylbek Japarov, meetings with the private sector, engagements with the banking and IT communities, all aimed at identifying mutually beneficial solutions for Kyrgyzstan and the United States. These discussions, the group contends, will pave the way for increased American investments in Kyrgyzstan and forge enduring friendships resilient to the challenges of today’s world.

Although the USKGZBC is relatively young, it has emerged as a beacon for attracting new investors, manufacturers, exporters, traders, and business leaders dedicated to strengthening cooperation with Kyrgyzstan. This year’s delegation has assured the Kyrgyz people of new friends – partners committed to navigating the dynamic business landscape together. This visit represented a mutual opportunity to significantly advance a growing bilateral investment agenda.

Prominent American companies represented at the conference included Abbott, Coca-Cola, GE Vernova Inc, OpenWay, Thomas Greg & Sons Ltd, White & Case, and the Jones Equity Fund.

The US-Kyrgyzstan Business Council and the US-Tajikistan Business Council are private and independent trade associations aimed at advancing commercial and investment ties between the United States, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The councils are membership-based organizations representing US companies that are active and/or are interested in doing business in these Central Asian markets. The main mission of the two organizations is to advance their members’ commercial activities in their respective countries and to encourage the American public to develop stronger business relations with them.

Serving as a clearinghouse and driven by mutually beneficial interests, the USKGZBC and USTJBC provide practical views and share solutions with the governments of the United States, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan on what can be done to further strengthen trade. The councils are powerful advocacy organizations that multiply the voice of the US business community committed to doing business in this part of the world.

(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)