Central Asian Republics Aim for $2 Billion in Bilateral Trade

A swirl of recent activity in Central Asia and the Caspian Basin aimed at improving trade is belying the notion that August is vacation season. Late August this year was a time for state visits, with Azerbaijan’s leader, Ilham Aliyev traveling to Uzbekistan, and Kazakstan’s president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, visiting Tajikistan. The dominant theme of both trips was strengthening trade ties.  Following discussions with Aliyev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proclaimed 2025 the “Year of Economic Cooperation” between…