Central Asia Invest
Most Central Asian SMEs have fragmented knowledge of business administration, in particular of strategic marketing, appropriate marketing-mixes, access to information and capital. In conjunction with the sometimes low-level vocational education, these SMEs face difficulties to produce competitive quality.
In this context, Business Intermediary Organisations can play a key role in the reform process towards a market economy, contributing to civil society development and to the creation of new employment opportunities and income. By improving their capacity to assist small businesses and to create bridges between the governments and the private sector, they will contribute to the eradication of poverty and to the gradual democratic and economic transition of these countries. This is why the Central Asia Invest programme support Business Intermediary Organisations.
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NEW ! The call for proposals is now open with a deadline for submission of Concept Notes on 12 March 2010(see below). Please have a look at the flyer An Info Session will be organised in Brussels on 19 February 2010. The draft agenda |
What are the aims of the programme?
The Central Asia Invest is a regional programme which aims to promote the sustainable economic development of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) by encouraging the development of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
What kind of projects?
Central Asia Invest provides grants to capacity building projects for Business Intermediary Organisations in Central Asia.
The activities must aim at upgrading the skills of staff members, making them better equipped to service the local SMEs.
A first call for proposals took place in 2007-2008. To have more information on the 11 selected projects (objective, key fact and figures, contact details, etc.) please consult our factfile 
[3 MB] . A networking event was organised on April 2009 with the projects, the minutes 
[4 MB] , the agenda [27 KB] of the event and the introductions [3 MB] to the workshops can be also consulted.
Who can apply?
Non-profit making organisations such as chambers of commerce, sector-specific trade, industrial and professional associations, regulatory bodies and agencies promoting trade, investment and commercial activities as well as sector-based agencies concerned with working with SMEs.
Applications should be based on a partnership of a minimum of two partners, at least one partner from Europe and one from Central Asia:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Turkey, FYRoM ;
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan ;
- Partners from China, Mongolia, Russian Federation, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan can participate as associates (i.e. not receive direct funding)
When and how to apply?
A first call for proposals took place in 2007-2008, closed since 15 February 2008.
The second call for proposals is now open till 12 March 2010. You can find details on the eligibility of applicants and on application procedures in the Guidelines for Grant Applicants .The application forms and all related attachments are available on the Funding section of this website (under the reference 129 499).
An info session will be organised in Brussels (Belgium) on 19 February and other info sessions will be held in Central Asia. A training session will be organised for short-listed applicants with the aim to improve the quality and the sustainability of the final proposals.
Where can I get further information?
For any further questions concerning the programme, please send an email to Central Asia Invest mailbox .
