DUSHANBE, May 17, 2011, Asia-Plus -- The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Regional Trade Liberalization and Customs project (USAID RTLC) brought together thirteen companies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in Dushanbe on May 16 to improve exports and trade with Afghanistan.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, this Export Partnership Initiative unites the efforts of producers, traders, service providers, and international projects aimed at developing trade relations with Afghanistan.  Together, the companies can better identify shared interests and resources, and improve prospects for their export businesses and regional economic growth.

The Export Partnership Initiative trained nearly 60 professionals in international business and logistics practices over the past three months.  Trainees form the core of the export partnership aimed at sending more Central Asian products to Afghanistan, and they are seeking out new companies in the region that can contribute to the partnership.

Despite the proximity of Afghanistan to the Central Asian Republics, trade between them remains well below its potential.  Clothing, wheat, and industrial products are in demand in Afghanistan, but the trade links to bring those products from Central Asia have not developed fully.  USAID aims to help develop those links in partnership with local firms.

At the launch event, these thirteen companies offered overviews of the Afghan market, identified its strengths and prospects, and deliberated entry strategies.  The participants will sign a memorandum of understanding and cooperation outlining their contributions to the partnership, and draft an action plan for expanding their export operations to Afghanistan.

The USAID Regional Trade Liberalization and Customs Project is one of the many development projects made possible by the American people through USAID. Since 1992, the American people, through the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, have provided approximately $900 million in programs that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education, and economic growth.