They outlined three priority areas of the Forum: green economy, digitalization and a healthy business climate.
The First Economic Forum European Union – Central Asia has closed in Bishkek. Its participants made a joint statement, focusing on transiting to the green economy, promoting digitalization and creating a healthy business climate, the press office of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic reported to CentralAsia.news.
Green economy
Forum participants expressed concern about the impact of global warming on water and energy resources in the region and decided to continue to jointly fight climate change and reach net zero carbon emissions. Particular attention was paid to the potential of Central Asia in clean energy production, renewable energy investment and green finance.
Digitalization
The representatives of the Central Asian governments noted that the progress in digitalization was imperative to build up public administration capacity and enhance civil participation in decision-making.
The emphasis was placed on the effectiveness of e-governance reforms. The officials agreed to increase the coverage and improve the quality of the Internet, in particular in rural areas, and create a highly efficient digital education ecosystem with the support of the World Bank and the EU.
Healthy business climate
In discussing this topic, the participants confirmed their readiness to diversify production, expand bilateral exports, continue reforms under the EU-Central Asia investment programmes, enhance trade relations between the EU and Central Asia, strengthen the integration of the Central Asian region into the international trading system and harmonize customs regimes.
Particular attention was paid to the importance of reforming the laws to support small medium-sized businesses, simplify taxation, strengthen the efficiency of the justice system and foster dialogue between the business community and the state. The emphasis was also placed on the need to reduce bureaucratic obstacles.
