SMEs development
Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) has significant development and business potential based on availability of energy, natural resources and work force. However, the countries face major challenges linked to the heritage of a centrally planned system, legal and institutional reforms and a relatively limited regional integration.
The development of SMEs is recognized to be vital if the benefits of economic growth are to be extended to a wider proportion of population. Therefore the EU supports a reduction in poverty by building on trade and businesses capacities in Central Asia.
In this context, the Regional Strategy Paper for Central Asia 
[277 KB] identifies regional cooperation to promote development of SMEs as a priority for action.
EC programmes to support SME's development
The European Commission has designed the Central Asia Invest Programme to promote the sustainable economic development of Central Asian Countries by encouraging the development of SMEs.
The programme targets Business Intermediary Organisations as these 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, Central Asia Invest will contribute to the eradication of poverty and to the continued democratic and economic transition of these countries.
- More information on the Central Asia Invest programme