Project progress

Timescale

Activity I.

Preparing a study on areas, where strengthened regional cooperation would contribute most effectively to a positive business and investment climate in Central Asia and through it accelerate international integration of the region. Formulating recommendations on how to maximize the effectiveness of technical cooperation assistance in the above areas.

Timelines:

April - May:

- Identification of members of the regional research team, sending out terms of reference, discussing the project outline and methodology, identification of consultation partners, start of the consultation process.

- Distribution of background documents (the UNDP Central Asia Human Development Report, relevant studies by the World Bank, ADB, EBRD, PWC and Ernst and Young) to members of the team.

May 18 and 19

- A workshop with the participation of the members of the regional research team and experts from UNECE/UNESCAP, UNDP, OECD and CASE Poland to assess progress, to brain storm on open issues, information on on-going activities of UNECE, UNDP, EU and partner organizations. Local representatives of the German EU Presidency, the Commission and ADB (on behalf of CAREC) will be invited to brief on on-going and planned activities, priorities, capacities and available resources.

May-September

- Continuation of consultations with government decision makers, the private sector and international organizations and institutions present in the region, including:

Government

- Ministry of Economy/Investment Promotion Office

- Ministry of Finance

- Ministry of Trade and Commerce

- Ministry of Transport

- Ministry of Water and Energy Resources

- National Statistical Office

- National Gender Office

Private Sector

- Private companies (both foreign and local) in the extractive industries, in agriculture and agricultural processing, in manufacturing and services.

- Chambers of commerce and industry.

International Development Community