Vice Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asan Darbayev took part in the opening of the Economic Forum of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), as well as in the 20th session of the SPECA Governing Council, which were held in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) from January 20 to 23, 2026.
Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Asan Darbayev expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan, as well as the secretariats of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific for the high level of organization of the event and consistent work on the development of regional economic cooperation. He stressed that SPECA has established itself as an effective regional platform contributing to the deepening of trade and economic integration, the development of transport connectivity and the promotion of sustainable development in Central Asia. Kazakhstan, in turn, is ready to actively participate in the implementation of initiatives in the fields of trade, logistics, sustainable infrastructure and innovation.
During the event, it was noted that trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the SPECA countries demonstrates a steady positive trend. According to the results of January–November 2025, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the SPECA countries amounted to 8.7 billion US dollars, an increase of 10.1% compared to the same period last year. Exports from Kazakhstan increased by 15% and reached USD 6.7 billion, reflecting the increased participation of Kazakhstani manufacturers in regional supply chains.
Special attention was paid to Kazakhstan's progress in the field of trade facilitation. In 2023, Kazakhstan fully fulfilled its obligations under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade Facilitation, becoming one of the few countries in the region to complete this process.
Kazakhstan successfully uses digital tools to support businesses. In order to increase transparency and accessibility of information for businesses in Kazakhstan, the National Trade Portal operates tradeinfo.kz , containing a description of more than 80 import, export and transit procedures. The portal is integrated with the Central Asia Gateway regional platform, which has been recognized by the United Nations as the best trade portal in the world.
Following the results of the forum, it was noted that further deepening of cooperation within SPECA would contribute not only to the growth of mutual trade, but also to increasing the stability and competitiveness of the economies of Central Asian countries as a whole.
For reference:
SPECA is a Special United Nations Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), developed by the United Nations in 1997. SPECA members are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan.
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1147301?lang=ru
