Exporting to Central Asia

The New American Opportunity: Central Asia Republics

Welcome to the dynamic and rapidly growing marketplace for US companies. Central Asia presents a golden opportunity for those interested in reaching a large, youthful population with high-quality US products and services.

Why Central Asia?

The region, with a combined population of over 79 million and an average age of 26, is ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various fields to engage and do business. While larger US multinationals have already tapped into Central Asia, the time is now ripe for others to join in.

Did you Know?

The US has played a crucial role in Central Asia since it was the first country to recognize the independence of each republic as they separated from the former Soviet Union. In 2023, the C5 + 1 meeting in New York, attended by the leadership of the Central Asian countries and President Biden, underscored the growing geopolitical and economic ties between the region and the US. These ties span diverse sectors, including energy and fintech, with a notable preference for US brands and technology over those from other parts of the world.

The Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan having gained independence over 30 years ago, serve as a bridge between the East and West. Historically located on the Silk Road, the region has been a hub of trade since the times of Alexander the Great, the Romans, and Marco Polo.

Today, Central Asia is a vibrant, welcoming region eager to do business with America. US brands are highly favored, and Central Asian countries are notably entrepreneurial.

Organizations such as the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC), the US-Kyrgyzstan Business Council (USKGZBC), and the US-Tajikistan Business Council (USTJBC) are instrumental in helping US companies navigate their business journeys in the region. Known for their hospitality, openness, and eagerness, the people of Central Asia are warm, courteous, and respectful, ensuring that new business relationships can turn into lifelong partnerships.

Given these mutually beneficial opportunities, Central Asia should be a key consideration in your international expansion plans.

To embark on this journey, contact your local state District Export Council, members of the National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC) or AUCC, USKGZBC and USTJBC for assistance.

Interested to learn more?

Article by Peter C Jones, CEO, Jones Equity Fund, LLC, NADEC Board Member
And Elena V. Son-LaRocco, Executive Director,
The American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC)
The US-Kyrgyzstan Business Council (USKGZBC)
The US-Tajikistan Business Council (USTJBC)

Contact: 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #274, Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202-509-3744

US Trade Mission in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

The US Tajikistan and Bishkek Kyrgyzstan Trade mission, June 19-26, 2024 in which Peter Jones participated, was organized by private trade associations with each respective ministry, executive branch, who also arranged personal meetings for the delegates with potential private and public trade partners.

The organizations are:
• U.S. Tajikistan Business Council
• U.S. Kyrgyzstan Business council
• American Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce

28 US corporations attended the Tajikistan meetings from various industry sectors: IT, energy, consumer foods, beverages, IT, cyber security, security printing, digitalization tech, medical devices, consumer finance, legal/compliance and mining. 13 companies traveled on to meetings in Bishek, Kyrgyzstan from the cybersecurity, consumer financing, energy, digital technology/IT, mining, legal / compliance sectors.

NADEC would like to thank the above listed associations for their support. The Councils have been active in Central Asia for over 28 years, so please reach out to them directly if you are interested in exploring opportunities in this region.