VII Central-Asian Trade Forum «FUTURE GROWTH: TRADE, TRANSPORT, AND HORTICULTURE»

Seventh Central-Asian Trade Forum «FUTURE GROWTH: TRADE, TRANSPORT, AND HORTICULTURE»  was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan in October 18-19, 2017.

The Forum is a successful platform for the exchange of information and experience between representatives of the public and private sectors in order to improve the conditions for trade development in Central Asia. This year, the Trade Forum was devoted to enhancing the competitiveness and export potential of the horticultural products, as well as the development of transport and logistics services.

Participants of the Forum discussed actual issues of modernization of regional trade, transport and logistics. Representatives of Central Asia shared their successful experience in developing of horticultural sector, as well as transport and logistics services in the region. International experts presented new export strategies, innovations in horticulture and logistics, advanced technologies for expanding trade.

For example, presented results of the study “Opportunities for Central Asian horticultural produce export markets diversification” conducted by Euromonitor International under the order GIZ Program "Trade Facilitation in Central Asia", with the aim of developing strategies to facilitate the export of Central Asian products to new markets (Germany, China, UAE).

Within the framework of the Forum, was organized a round table "Development of the Global GAP in Central Asia". The representative of the Global GAP secretariat presented the requirements of the Global GAP standard and the benefits of its implementation to improve competitiveness and facilitate access of horticultural products to international markets. The participants discussed the positive experience, the current situation and further steps to stimulate the implementation of Global GAP in Central Asia.

At the Forum were organized  an exhibition of goods produced in Central Asia to promote products and establishing business ties with potential partners, as well as "National Corners" to demonstrate the export potential, tourist attractions and national culture of the countries of the region.

The Forum was organized by USAID in cooperation with GIZ and other international organizations. The GIZ Regional Program "Trade Facilitation in Central Asia" supported participation of representatives from government bodies and business associations of Central Asian countries in this Forum. The delegation of Uzbekistan included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the State Customs Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the “Uzstandart” Agency, the Export Promotion Fund, “Uzbekistan Temir Yollari” JSC, the Uzbek Agency of Automobile and River Transport, “Uztrade” JSC, “Uzagroeksport” JSC, Association of International Road Carriers,  Association of International Freight Forwarders and others.

The next Central Asian Trade Forum will be organized in the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2018.