Washington, D.C. – The Second B5+1 Forum, convened by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and hosted by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, concluded this week in Bishkek with a set of concrete, private-sector-driven policy priorities aimed at accelerating regional economic integration and strengthening U.S.–Central Asia commercial ties.
B5+1 serves as the business counterpart to the C5+1 diplomatic platform, bringing together business leaders and governments from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States. Building on the inaugural B5+1 Forum held in Almaty in 2024, the February 4–5 Forum convened more than 300 business leaders, policymakers, investors, and experts from across the region and the United States to move from dialogue to implementation of priority economic reforms.
In a Final Communique released at the conclusion of the Forum, the private sector outlined actionable policy recommendations designed to reduce barriers to trade and investment, improve regulatory transparency, and enhance regional connectivity. The Communique reflects growing alignment between governments and the private sector on near- and medium-term reforms needed to unlock Central Asia’s economic potential and position the region as a competitive partner in global value chains.
The Forum advanced Regional Business Agendas and business position papers across several priority sectors critical to regional development and U.S.–Central Asia cooperation, including transport and logistics, e-commerce and information technology, finance and banking, critical minerals, agriculture, and tourism. Discussions emphasized practical steps such as harmonizing regulations and standards, digitalizing customs and transit procedures, strengthening financial sector connectivity, modernizing data and governance frameworks in strategic sectors, and improving the overall investment climate.
Over two days of plenary sessions and structured public-private dialogue, participants reviewed progress since the First B5+1 Forum in Almaty and identified where coordinated regional action can accelerate results. Sector-specific discussions addressed issues such as trade facilitation along key corridors, digital integration and cross-border e-commerce, access to international financial systems, workforce development, and opportunities to expand U.S. private sector engagement in the region.
The Forum concluded with high-level exchanges between business leaders and government representatives from Central Asia and the United States, reinforcing commitments to sustain the B5+1 process beyond the annual Forum. Participants agreed that continued year-round engagement through B5+1 Task Forces and Regional Business Agendas will be essential to maintaining momentum and turning agreed priorities into reforms, investments, and partnerships.
“The B5+1 has created a trusted space for constructive dialogue, where businesses can elevate shared priorities and governments can engage directly with investors and the regional private sector,” said Abdulwahab Alkebsi, Managing Director of Programs at CIPE. “This collaboration is critical to advancing a more integrated, resilient, and globally connected Central Asian economy.”
The B5+1 efforts are supported by the U.S. Department of State and align with economic objectives outlined by C5+1 governments to enhance regional cooperation, economic security, and private sector-led growth. The full Final Communiqué, Regional Business Agendas, Forum recaps, and additional resources will be available on CIPE’s website and updated as follow-up activities progress.
For more information about the B5+1 Forum and CIPE’s work to advance economic freedom and democratic governance worldwide, visit our website or contact B5plus1@cipe.org.
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is a global organization that works to strengthen private enterprise and support market-oriented reforms. Working alongside local partners and tomorrow’s leaders, CIPE advances the voice of business in policy making, promotes opportunity, and develops resilient and competitive economies. To learn more about CIPE, visit cipe.org, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Published Date: February 07, 2026