The United States has announced two new programs for Central Asia, one of which will provide $25 million in assistance for economic resilience of Central Asian countries, the US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu said during a press briefing in Ashgabat on Sunday, dedicated to the start of his visit to Turkmenistan.
The goals of the program include helping to develop good-paying jobs in Central Asian countries and assisting export of local goods to international markets.
Donald Lu said the visit to Turkmenistan focuses on economic interaction, trade ties and the environment.
A second $16.5 million program aims to promote food security in the region.
The diplomat also emphasized that small- and medium-sized businesses are the heart of Turkmenistan's economy, noting that one of the most remarkable programs that the U.S. is implementing through USAID is promoting investment in the country's private sector.
Donald Lu added that through USAID and other cooperation partners, the US provides about $7 million a year for the support to Turkmenistan.
The US business leaders will come to Turkmenistan as part of the Turkmenistan-US Business Council in December of this year.
