Strategies of Regional Economic Integration and WTO Accession in Central Asia

Abstract

This study debates the roles of trade liberalization and regional economic cooperation for the sustainable economic growth of the Central Asian countries. An economic research paradigm was used to obtain a macro view from the perspectives of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. In general, factors that enhance regional trade development and regional economic integration include improving business environment, increasing trade policy coordination, accelerating trade liberalization, and increasing economic cooperation. Selected policies and practical implications are identified, which facilitate enhancing free trade agreements and regional economic cooperation, coordinating WTO accession, and creating a systematic monitoring organization.

Keywords

• International trade
• trade policy
• regional trade
• regional cooperation
• cross-border trade
• regional economic integration
• WTO
• Central Asia