Turkmen, Uzbeks to Attend Regional Economic Meeting

Uzbek and Turkmen officials will join other Central Asian, European and Middle Eastern delegates at a regional meeting of the World Economic Forum in Istanbul on October 31 and November 1.



Politician, businessmen and cultural, religious and media representatives from these regions will discuss common challenges facing their countries, chief among them the effects of global financial turmoil, as well as energy and other issues.



NBCentralAsia analysts note that both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are now taking a more active part in such international events. They are being forced to tackle the effects of the global crisis, despite a past record of economic isolationist policies.



“However much the Turkmen and Uzbek authorities try to present an image of calm on the economic front, the realities of the situation are forcing them to seek dialogue and listen to the recommendations made by world powers,” said an economist from Turkmenistan.