DUSHANBE, July 2, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Approximately 50 current and former government officials, industry leaders, representatives of international organizations and civil society experts from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan gathered at the University of Central Asia (UCA) in Bishkek for a workshop organized by the World Economic Forum on 26 June 2013, UCA’s Newsletter, Issue # 150 reports.

The workshop was part of the World Economic Forum project on Scenarios for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, which focuses on future prospects of regional economic cooperation.  During the event, participants assessed Central Asia’s role in tomorrow’s global economy.  After taking stock of the region’s current level of economic integration, participants developed creative visions for the role of the region in the imminent global economy.  In doing so, they reflected on Central Asia’s unique strengths and value proposition; both existing and potential.

The workshop concluded with a discussion about the necessary steps to be taken today to fulfill the region’s considerable potential in the future.  These insights will feed directly into the next phase of the Scenarios for the South Caucasus and Central Asia project which will conclude towards the end of 2014.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000.  The Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations.