The EU provides tariff-free access to the European market for three Central Asian countries through the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP, for Tajikistan) and its special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+, for Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan), designed to support poverty reduction and sustainable development through trade. The EU also promotes job creation through programmes that catalyse the growth of young small- and medium-sized enterprises. The EU also promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns in the region.

Supporting intra-regional trade in Central Asia and linking up the Central Asian economies with the global value chain is a priority for the EU. The EU helps Central Asian countries address key regulatory and procedural obstacles to intra and extra-regional trade.

The EU also promotes job creation through programmes that catalyse the growth of young small and medium-sized enterprises. The EU also promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns in the region. With its Investment Facility for Central Asia (IFCA), the EU provides grants to support financial resources from financial institutions and other public and private partners for investments, technical assistance, or risk capital operations.

Strengthening Safe and Secure Transport Connections

The EU is committed to establish a strong, ambitious and forward-looking framework for cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia to deliver sustainable connectivity within Central Asia and between our two regions. The development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor plays a key role, with the aim of establishing a modern, competitive and efficient route connecting Europe and Asia in no more than 15 days.

Improved, sustainable, safe and secure transport connections can play a crucial role in supporting economic diversification and green growth, which supports the shared goal of a prosperous Central Asia.

The EU Study on Sustainable Transport Connections between Europe and Central Asia (June 2023) led to the successful Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity held in Brussels from 29-30 January 2024, the establishment of a Coordination Platform for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor in 2024, as well as the commitment to mobilise EUR 10 billion by the international community.

The EU is supporting the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor through various regional programmes, including a recently adopted regional transport programme in Central Asia (EUR 30 million), the Central Asia Prosperity Programme (EUR 28.4 million), and the EU programme “Securing Connectivity in Central Asia” (EUR 30 million). Additionally, the European Commission will support corridor-related infrastructure investments through blending contributions and loan guarantees.