New Format of Interaction
According to the statement by Special Envoy of Donald Trump for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, the USA plans to increase its economic presence in Central Asia in the coming years. He noted that this region has become relevant again for American authorities in light of changes in economic policy.The minister added that the participation of the USA, along with the active involvement of local entrepreneurs, contributes to strengthening investor confidence and opens new horizons for trade, investment, and technological cooperation.
First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev emphasized that all states are moving towards practical actions defined by the leaders of Kyrgyzstan, the USA, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The implementation of the set tasks will be carried out through specific projects and partnerships.
Gor noted that the actions of the USA are aimed at "curbing illegal migration and enhancing visa control." The American side intends to actively develop business ties with all states in the region in various fields, including e-commerce and transportation. According to him, such a strategy will be beneficial for both the USA and the countries of Central Asia.
The Director of the High Technology Park, Aziz Abakirov, noted that the export of high-tech products is carried out to 70 countries, with a priority on the USA. Over the past three years, more than a hundred startups from Kyrgyzstan have been sent to Silicon Valley. He emphasized that visa restrictions pose a serious problem for the country's IT sector, which seeks to occupy a significant place in the international artificial intelligence market.
Abakirov added: "We are negotiating with partners and hope for the simplification of visa procedures for startups. This is an important issue for talented specialists not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in other countries."
American businessmen and officials at the forum acknowledged the existing problems; however, no specific promises regarding the lifting of restrictions were made. As a result, the parties agreed to continue discussions to find solutions.
Issues of cooperation in the field of e-commerce were also discussed, where it was noted that to accelerate interregional interaction, it is necessary to eliminate barriers, restrictions, and optimize international transactions on marketplaces.
The forum in Bishkek confirmed the return of Central Asia to the list of key priorities for the USA, with an emphasis on the private sector and specific projects rather than traditional diplomacy. Nevertheless, visa restrictions remain a significant obstacle to the mobility of both people and companies. Despite the acknowledgment of the problem by the American side, no quick solutions were proposed — the "B5+1" format faces the test of time ahead. One can only hope that the words will not remain mere empty promises and will indeed strengthen interaction between Central Asia and the USA.
