Speeches Shim
Turkmen producers, wholesalers, and distributors have long been frustrated by a lack of export options. Value chain and logistical challenges, lack of hard currency, inadequate understanding of Western import standards, and isolationist policies have all hindered the ability of these entrepreneurs to fully realize their export goals. Stymied by these challenges, Turkmen entrepreneurs were largely dependent limited on Kazakhstan and Russia as horticulture trading partners– traditional destinations with lax entry requirements – until now. The Innovation Facility, run by USAID/Central Asia’s Competitiveness, Trade, and Jobs activity, is supporting diversification of Turkmen exports and export partners by minimizing the risk to Turkmen entrepreneurs as they experiment westward.
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Smart Waters program, implemented by Central Asia Regional Environmental Center (CAREC), in cooperation with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) handed over a 170,000 USD dredger to the State Committee on Water Management in Tashkopri, the south-east settlement of Mary province, Turkmenistan.
The Central Asia Trade Forum, the region’s flagship international event for companies and exporters, opened today in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Over 500 leaders from government, business and civil society from Central and South Asia, Europe, and the United States gathered to explore investment and innovation in horticulture across the region.
Strategically located alongside Afghanistan and Iran, Turkmenistan plays an important role in advancing regional integration, security and prosperity across South and Central Asia. With abundant natural resources, Turkmenistan holds the potential to overcome economic and development challenges linked to years of authoritarian rule. The United States partners with Turkmenistan to forge a more open economy and an inclusive, resilient society.
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