C. Asian countries, U.S. intend to develop energy cooperation, Trans-Caspian Trade Route - joint statement

TASHKENT. Oct 19 (Interfax) - Central Asian countries and the United States intended to enhance their energy partnership, develop the production and processing of natural resources and create high-value supply chains, a joint statement adopted after a meeting in the C5+1 format in the Uzbek city of Samarkand said.

"We recognize that strengthening U.S.-Central Asian energy cooperation will galvanize efforts to develop integrated, high-value supply chains that yield sustained economic growth and energy resilience," the statement said.

Countries of the regions have substantial reserves of natural resources and intend to expand cooperation in energy, geological exploration and raw material processing, including exchanging experience and advanced methods in geological data management, it said.

Emphasis was placed on developing processing enterprises, raising the share of products with high added value and increasing their deliveries to international markets. The participants in the meeting believe that this will allow Central Asian countries to use their export potential more effectively and boost the economic effect from the use of natural resources.

Another priority is the development of the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, which is expected to help expand trade and investments between Central Asia and the United States and enable regional producers to access new markets, the statement said.

"Our shared efforts to further develop the Trans-Caspian Trade Route will catalyze unprecedented two-way trade and investment between Central Asia and the United States and unlock opportunities in high-growth markets," the statement said.

The sides also agreed to facilitate the deepening of regional economic integration and the creation of a competitive market tied to the U.S. economy, including through expanding trade inside the region, improving transport connectivity, aligning customs procedures, and strengthening industrial cooperation.

The C5+1 format was created in September 2015 to discuss regional issues between the U.S. and the five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.