Terhi Hakala: EU as largest source of investment has potential to change situation in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, Nov. 5, 2021 / Kabar /. The European Union, as the largest source of investment, has the potential to change the situation in Kyrgyzstan, Terhi Hakala, the Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia, told at the First European Union - Central Asia Economic Forum.

She said that this is a great opportunity to bring trade and economic relations to a new level.

“I hope we will hear reports today on new opportunities to create interregional economic dialogue and how new sustainable economic programs will be established in the context of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

At the same time, Hakala pointed out that the EU is a reliable partner of Central Asia and congratulated the participants on the 30th anniversary of independence.

“The European Union is proud that we have always been with you on the path of your reforms,” the special representative emphasized.

In conclusion, she recalled that the EU-CA cooperation program, adopted in 2018, was recognized to strengthen cooperation and regional dialogue.

In 2019 the EU and the foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries agreed to hold the First EU-CA Economic Forum. Thus, in December 2020, within the framework of the online forum, 3 areas were identified on the agenda of today's forum: green economy, digitalization and business climate.