New Horizons of Partnership
According to the words of Donald Trump's special envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, the USA plans to strengthen its economic presence in Central Asia in the coming years. He noted that the region has once again become a priority against the backdrop of a changing economic paradigm.The minister emphasized that the participation of the USA, combined with the active involvement of local businesses, fosters trust from investors and creates new opportunities for trade, investment, and technological interaction.
First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev also noted that countries including Kyrgyzstan, the USA, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are moving from words to actions defined by their leaders. Achieving the set goals will be carried out through specific projects and partnerships.
Gor stated that these measures are aimed at "curbing illegal migration and strengthening visa control." He added that the USA is ready to develop business ties with the regions in various areas, including e-commerce and transportation. According to him, such an initiative will be beneficial for both the USA and the Central Asian countries.
The director of the High Technology Park, Azis Abakirov, noted that the export of the IT sector covers 70 countries, with the USA in the lead. Over a hundred startups from Kyrgyzstan have been sent to Silicon Valley over the past three years. He emphasized that visa restrictions are a critically important issue for Kyrgyzstan's IT sector, which aims to take a leading position in the international artificial intelligence market.
He added: "Negotiations are underway with partners. I hope that the visa application process for startup founders will be simplified. This issue affects many talented individuals not only in Kyrgyzstan but around the world."
At the forum, representatives of American businesses and authorities acknowledged the existing problems; however, no specific promises regarding the lifting of restrictions were made. Ultimately, the parties agreed to continue discussions to find solutions.
The parties also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of e-commerce, noting that to accelerate interregional integration, it is necessary to eliminate barriers and streamline international transactions on marketplaces.
The forum in Bishkek confirmed the return of Central Asia to the list of priority regions for the USA, focusing on the private sector and the implementation of specific projects rather than just traditional diplomacy. At the same time, visa restrictions remain a significant barrier to the mobility of people and businesses. Despite the American side's acknowledgment of the problem, no quick solutions were proposed, and the "B5+1" format awaits testing in action. One can only hope that the words do not remain empty promises and truly lead to strengthened interaction between Central Asia and the USA.
