Organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in collaboration with the government of Kyrgyzstan, this forum aims to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors in the region. The B5+1 format is evolving from a temporary initiative into a permanent multilateral process that will promote economic integration and expand cooperation with the United States.
Participants in the forum include representatives from the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as high-profile delegates from the United States, leaders of business associations, financial institutions, and experts.
Over the course of two days, participants will discuss key aspects of improving the investment climate and business environment in Central Asia. Major discussion topics include the development of agriculture, tourism, the financial sector, transportation and logistics, as well as issues related to e-commerce and IT technologies, along with cooperation in critical minerals.
The forum includes panel discussions and open dialogues between government agencies and business representatives. Leaders of the regional B5+1 working groups will present updated business agendas and recommendations for improving regulatory policies. It is expected that delegations from Central Asian countries will express their positions on the implementation of the proposed initiatives.
For reference: The B5+1 platform is the business equivalent of the diplomatic C5+1 platform, which unites five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—along with the United States. It was created to promote economic cooperation in the region and to develop dialogue between the public and private sectors. B5+1 provides businesspeople and government officials with a unique opportunity to collaboratively develop solutions aimed at attracting investment, innovation, and economic growth.
The B5+1 initiative is implemented by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) as part of the "Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia" (IBECA) program, supported by the U.S. Department of State.
The first B5+1 forum took place in Almaty on March 14-15, 2024, and marked a significant step towards deepening economic integration between Central Asia and the United States.
