Discussions on the Development of Transport Connectivity and Economic Cooperation in Central Asia to Take Place in Bishkek

The 2026 Economic Forum of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) has begun in Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan holds the chairmanship of the program this year.

The forum is organized by ESCAP and the UNECE and is being held under the theme “Developing Connectivity for Sustainable Development in the SPECA Region.”

One of the key topics of discussion will be the development of transportation infrastructure and logistics links between countries in the region, including rail connections, as well as the simplification of trade procedures and the digitalization of economic processes.

As noted by Tatyana Molchan, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship of SPECA is of great importance for the development of regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of transport connectivity and economic growth.

According to her, forum participants hope to move from discussing general issues to developing concrete proposals and solutions.

“We are working very closely with the UN on transportation issues. We are currently focusing particularly on rail transport. I hope that we will have the opportunity not only to discuss these issues but also to make specific decisions,” Tatyana Molchan noted.

She also emphasized the importance of digitizing trade and moving away from paper-based document flow. In this regard, Molchan highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s participation in international initiatives to simplify transportation, including the signing and ratification of the relevant convention.

The forum will also feature discussions on support for small and medium-sized businesses, innovation, women’s entrepreneurship, financing for infrastructure projects, and public-private partnership mechanisms.

Among the planned events is the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between ESCAP and the Eurasian Economic Commission.

Following the forum, a draft of the Bishkek Declaration is expected to be presented on November 5.