The United States Trade Representative shares a commitment to work with the governments of the Central Asia to expand opportunities for trade and investment in the region. In 2004, the United States entered into a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with these partners.

As part of its TIFA efforts, USTR and the US Chamber of Commerce organized an 7 October public-private conference on US-Central Asian trade and investment, entitled "Silk Road Trade and Investment: New Pathways for US-Central Asia Economic Ties." The event featured keynote remarks by Deputy USTR Demetrios Marantis.

The US-Central Asia TIFA process represents an important avenue to further our trade and investment relationship, with the objective of benefiting both the United States and our Central Asian partners. Central Asia is already an important market for US energy companies and manufacturers of autos and heavy machinery. Other US goods and services exporters see real promise in the region.

The United States also has extended Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits to the region’s eligible beneficiary developing countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan). USTR is prepared to explore GSP eligibility with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as well.

To make sure US investors secure the best job-creating opportunities in Central Asia, the United States currently has Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) in force with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and has signed a BIT with Uzbekistan, which has not yet entered into force.

In addition to the economic benefits in this region, Central Asian countries are also critical contributors to allied efforts in Afghanistan. The Central Asian countries’ contribution includes expanding cross border trade and transport links with Afghanistan, and supporting US transit and logistical requirements.