Bektenov: Central Asia forming single investment space

A single investment space based on expanding cooperation and growing economic ties is being formed in Central Asia, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at the opening ceremony of the Tashkent Investment Forum.

According to a Report correspondent from Tashkent, he noted the importance of developing a strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The prime minister emphasized that relations between the countries of the region are based on trust and shared history.

"Kazakhstan intends to work closely with all Central Asian countries to unlock the full potential of our regional community," he said.

Bektenov reported that the combined GDP of the region's countries has already exceeded $500 billion, and intraregional trade has exceeded $12 billion, with the goal of reaching $20 billion.

According to him, Central Asia is the only region in Asia to demonstrate growth in greenfield investment.

"We view the Middle Corridor as a key transit route, opening access to global markets," he noted.

He also announced plans to develop railway corridors between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: "We have already approved a plan to increase the capacity of railway corridors from 35 to 60 million tons per year."

"Central Asia can create a unified investment brand and strengthen its position on the international stage," he added.