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The greeting reads, in particular:

“The forum's theme is a crucial one for Central Asia. The prospects for the region's sustainable development and its active integration into global economic processes depend precisely on the scope, nature and effectiveness of investments in the region.”

Central Asia benefits from unique natural resources, many centuries of experience of trade and entrepreneurship, and a rich cultural heritage. Reanimating mutual investments, trade and financial cooperation is an important foundation for harmonious development in the region.

Russia is ready to further expand economic cooperation with Central Asian states. Representatives of Russian business are also ready to continue work with their partners in the region, as well as explore new forms and patterns of interaction.

We regard the UN Special Programme as an effective and dynamic way of stimulating multilateral cooperation under the auspices of two influential regional UN structures: the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)).

I wish your forum success for the benefit of all the peoples of Central Asia“.

The UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was established in 1998 to promote their economic development, mutual cooperation and further integration in the global economy.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were the initial participants in the programme while Azerbaijan and Afghanistan joined later on.