Vice Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asan Darbayev took part in the opening of the Economic Forum of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and in the 20th session of the SPECA Governing Council, held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from January 20 to 23, 2026, DKNews.kz reports.
The event brought together government representatives from Central Asian countries, international organizations, and experts to discuss key issues shaping the region’s economic future.
SPECA as a Platform for Regional Cooperation
Speaking at the opening of the forum, Asan Darbayev expressed his gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan, as well as to the secretariats of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) for the high level of organization and their consistent efforts to promote regional economic cooperation.
He emphasized that SPECA has proven to be an effective regional platform that supports deeper trade and economic integration, enhanced transport connectivity, and the advancement of sustainable development across Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is ready to actively participate in the implementation of joint initiatives in trade, logistics, sustainable infrastructure, and innovation, Darbayev noted.
Growing Trade Between Kazakhstan and SPECA Countries
During the forum, participants highlighted the steady positive dynamics in Kazakhstan’s trade and economic cooperation with SPECA member states.
According to the results for January–November 2025:
- trade turnover between Kazakhstan and SPECA countries reached USD 8.7 billion,
- this represents a 10.1% increase compared to the same period last year,
- Kazakhstan’s exports rose by 15% to USD 6.7 billion.
These figures reflect the growing integration of Kazakh producers into regional supply chains.
Progress in Trade Facilitation
Darbayev paid particular attention to Kazakhstan’s achievements in trade facilitation. In 2023, Kazakhstan fully implemented its commitments under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, becoming one of the few countries in the region to complete this process.
This step significantly simplified cross-border procedures and reduced costs for businesses.
Digital Tools Supporting Business
Kazakhstan is also successfully leveraging digital solutions to support trade and business activity. The country operates the National Trade Portal tradeinfo.kz, which provides detailed information on more than 80 import, export, and transit procedures.
The portal is integrated with the regional Central Asia Gateway platform, which has been recognized by the United Nations as the world’s best trade portal.
Why It Matters for the Region
At the conclusion of the forum, participants agreed that further deepening cooperation within the SPECA framework will:
- boost mutual trade,
- strengthen economic resilience,
- enhance the overall competitiveness of Central Asian economies.
For Kazakhstan, SPECA remains a key instrument of economic diplomacy and a practical mechanism for advancing regional cooperation.
SPECA (Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia) is a United Nations initiative established in 1997. Its members include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Afghanistan. The programme focuses on promoting regional cooperation in trade, transport, investment, and sustainable development.
