As earlier reported, two-day regional meeting entitled “Strengthening partnerships for Human Development in Central Asia” opened in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 29 May. Participants of the event share their view on development of the region.

Mr. Johannes F. Linn

Wolfensohn Center for Development
Washington, D.C

“I hope this conference brings together CA countries, specially  EU and National agencies in really devoting all the attentions its needed to human development and regional cooperation in Central Asia. I think this conference has the real chance in raising attention to these issues and hopefully makes some progress. I personally think the most important issue is the regional cooperation because without regional cooperation Central Asia countries will not have access to international markets and will not be competitive in very competitive world and benefit from the rapid growth: China, Russia, Europe and South Asia. Central Asia needs to have access to the world and that is the only possible if they work together so that borders do not become barriers.”

Klemens van de Sand

Directorate for Asia, Southeastern Europe and Afghanistan, Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development-Germany

“Well, I hope there will be a huge commitment form the international community towards the Central Asia region.  But, I would like to se that countries themselves are convinced that regional cooperation will bring each state forward. I think that is the clear message that we want to convey and see as an outcome of this conference.
During the introductory speeches it was one area clearly identified as a crucial one. That is the area of governance, as a frame work of the condition that the private investments come to these countries. Not only the political systems but administrative systems as well need development in order to bring all countries forward. That is probably the most important issue.”

Klaus W. Grewlich
German Ambassador in the Kyrgyz Republic

“The most important issue is the right balance between national and bilateral work and regional cooperation. The EU is vital in this since regional cooperation is the core of the Union.”   

Francis Byrne

DG RELEX, European Commission, Brussels

“The EU development strategy that has been agreed upon in April by the European Commission in Brussels will shortly be complemented by a political strategy. This will focus on key issues of interest, both for Europe and for Central Asia. These are linked to obviously to energy; security issues…..focus is also for Europe to increase trade, economic and political stability of the region. This would also link to our European network policy, and policies that we are following in the region. On that basis we feel it is a natural extension of what we are doing following an enlargement. For us there is a logical link to include Central Asia countries in to the European network policy and to encourage that by all instruments that are available at our disposal.”   

Robert Y. Siy Jr.

Country Coordination and Regional Cooperation Division, Central and West Asia Department, Asian Development Bank

“I believe in regional cooperation. As one of the conference speakers said, regional cooperation will be the key to sustainable economic growth in Central Asia.I think that will mean a great deal in terms of uplifting welfare of a lot of ordinary people. This conference is all about partnerships. The more effective partnership we can build it will make a difference in millions of lives of ordinary people in Central Asia. And that is what we are all going for.”

Annette Dixon
Director for the Central Asia Region,
World Bank, Washington, D.C

“I think it is important opportunity for the country counterparts who are here and the donors to talk about aid effectives in the region to insure that external assistances supporting the government and that governments are implementing their national development strategies. And whether we are getting the right results and whether our aid is effectively being used by the countries. Partnerships are important but it has to be a country driven partnership and I think it would be good to hear for the countries, to hear whether the aid has been effectively targeted to support them.”