More than 1,100 government and business leaders from 18 countries in Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe participated in the two day event, which also brought the U.S. Ambassadors to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to lead session and provide remarks.

Over 50 companies took part in a concurrent trade exhibition that showcased technology, equipment, and service providers that have the capacity to lower production and transport costs in the region. The event organizers are also provided well-attended practical training sessions on quality and food safety standards.

The first day of the successful event concluded with awards that recognized achievements in regional horticulture and transport and logistics. The three winners were:

Award for Excellence in Horticulture Production, Processing, and Storage – Gold Dried Fruits LLC: This horticulture producer from Uzbekistan was recognized for introducing innovative approaches in its production.

Award for Excellence in Transport and Logistics – Transline LLC, a Kazakhstan based transport and logistics company was recognized for introducing innovations that are preparing the next generation of logistics experts.

The Best Trade Exhibition Booth – JSC Apricot & Co from Tajikistan, one of the leading producers and exporters of fresh and dried apricots to Russia and Kazakhstan, won the award for best exhibition booth.

The forum was sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Competitiveness, Trade, and Jobs Activity in Central Asia. This project organizes trainings and supports public and private sector collaboration across Central Asia to facilitate exports and create jobs in the agriculture, transport, and logistics services. By helping firms to become more regionally competitive and by addressing impediments to cross-border trade, the United States is helping to develop a more diverse and competitive private sector and generate more export-driven growth.

Other partners supporting the Forum include the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan; the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) Trade Facilitation in Central Asia Program; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; Crown Agents; GLOBALG.A.P.; Cert Academy; the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); KAZLOGISTICS; and the Global Cold Chain Alliance.