The B5+1 platform serves as the business counterpart to the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which brings together the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—and the United States. Established to strengthen regional economic cooperation and public–private dialogue, B5+1 provides a unique process for Central Asian and U.S. business leaders and policymakers to jointly identify solutions that foster investment, innovation, and economic growth across Central Asia. B5+1 is an initiative of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) under its Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia (IBECA) program, supported by the U.S. Department of State.
B5+1 Forum 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), in cooperation with the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, is convening the second-annual Business (B)5+1 Forum, a high-level platform for dialogue between U.S. and Central Asian business leaders and governments.
This flagship event will showcase the private sector’s vital role in driving economic policy reforms and strengthening U.S.-Central Asia economic cooperation.
About the Event
Building on the success of the inaugural B5+1 Forum held in Almaty in 2024, the second edition in Bishkek will review progress on the 21 recommendations presented in the first forum and define new priorities for advancing regional integration and public-private dialogue.
The Forum also aligns with the outcomes of the recent C5+1 Tenth Anniversary Summit, where the United States and the five Central Asian governments issued a Joint Statement recognizing the B5+1 as “a vital business counterpart to the C5+1 diplomatic platform.” This diplomatic endorsement underscores the growing role of the private sector in driving regional economic cooperation and reinforces the importance of the upcoming Bishkek Forum as a key pillar supporting deeper U.S.–Central Asia commercial ties.
The Forum seeks to institutionalize B5+1 as a long-term platform complementing the C5+1 framework, fostering sustained economic reform, investment, and collaboration between the private sector and governments of Central Asia and the United States.
Agenda Highlights
The priority sectors for 2026 will be agriculture, banking and finance, critical mineral resources, e-commerce and IT, transportation and logistics, and tourism.
- Regional business agendas for Central Asia, including private sector presentation of policy recommendations
- Government responses and economic priorities
- International business and investment agenda opportunities
The B5+1 Forum is a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, business leaders (including small and medium businesses), international partners, and civil society for two days of dialogue, insights, and collaboration.
For additional information or inquiries about the B5+1 Forum, please contact us at b5plus1@cipe.org
Event Organizer
The Second B5+1 Forum will be convened by CIPE, supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State, and co-hosted in cooperation with the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
