At the business forum "B5+1" in Bishkek, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State John Mark Pommerheim highlighted three key areas for collaboration with Central Asia. However, despite diplomatic statements about "transparency" and an emphasis on "human capital," these words conceal a more pragmatic approach that indicates Washington's focus on the region's resources.
The first and third points articulated by Pommerheim appear to be general declarations. Vague phrases about "improving the business climate," supporting startups, and developing the Trans-Caspian corridor create the necessary context but remain insufficiently specific. This suggests that they serve merely as a prelude to deeper and more targeted U.S. interests.
The real focus of the American strategy is likely centered on the second priority: trade and investment in energy, as well as critical minerals. In the context of a global race for resources, the U.S. is actively emphasizing the importance of expanding cooperation in critical minerals.
In this logic, even the development of the Trans-Caspian route and support for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway can be understood not as steps toward regional integration, but as the creation of efficient pathways for transporting extracted raw materials to Western markets.
