Indian government and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) together on Thursday in New Delhi hosted the first India-Central Asia Business Council meeting in order to boost business and cooperation.
The meeting gathered representatives from India, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The sides exchanged views on boosting economic cooperation, promoting business in the region and with each other.
External Affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar who was present at the launch called it a "significant step", adding that India's combined annual trade with the five Central Asian countries is about $2 billion.
The Indian External Affairs minister recommended the Council to examine the viability of establishing air corridors between and Central Asia to boost trade in perishable goods, agricultural and food products. Jaishankar added the Council has prioritized discussions on energy, pharmaceuticals, automotive, agro-processing, education and urban infrastructure and transport, civil aviation, IT and tourism.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed on the rules of activity and the joint declaration of the Business Council.
The Turkmenistan’s Ambassador in India Shalar Geldinazarov represented the Turkmen side at the first meeting of India-Central Asia Business Council.
