Central Asia and the Caucasus – At the Crossroads of Eurasia in the 21st Century

This book brings together a series of background papers that were prepared for the First Eurasian Emerging Markets Forum, held in Thun, Switzerland, in January 2010. The papers cover a broad range of issues relevant to the diverse and dynamic group of countries situated on the Eurasian super-continent. Although the papers cover subjects and themes as diverse at the impact of the global economic crisis of 2008-2009 for the countries in the region, to what constitutes a good business environment – to name a few – they are united by the identification of the key issues – economic, geo-political, social – that are of the highest priority to the development of the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Central Asia and the Caucasus are receiving an increasing international recognition as region that holds the key for Eurasia’s future. This book makes a valuable contribution in identifying the priorities and policy prescriptions that will help the economies of Central Asia to realize their potential.

Oraz Jandosov, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan

  This book is a must read for experts and non-experts interested in Central Asia and the Caucasus. It covers in one place, in depth and in vivid form, the most important economic and political dimensions of this critical region.

Djoomart Ortobaev, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Kyrgyz Republic