University of world economy and diplomacy of ministry of foreign affairs of republic of uzbekistan

2.2 Role and influence of brain tank in Central Asian foreign policy

On 20 and 21 June, the Central Asia Think Tank Growth Forum took place at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, with the participation of members of think tanks and research organizations from 10 countries in the field of Central Asia. The Forum is co-organized by the Central Asian Regional Institute for Economic Cooperation (CI) headquartered in Urumqi, the People's Republic of China and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the sponsorship of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy. The aim of the Forum is to explore potential opportunities for cooperation, to establish a region-wide network of think tanks and to create an information house to advise the Regional Economic Cooperation of Central Asia (CAREC) initiative.

Leading multilateral bodies, including the World Bank, the EBRD and the UNDP, sponsored this forum. Including leading academics, travel, trade & energy analysts, senior government leaders, academics and the media, nearly 100 people from all walks of life took part. Participants expressed their views on the prospects for growth and the significance of collaboration between CAREC countries, and addressed the relevance of establishing a network of think tanks.

The theme of the forum is to generate 'intellectual cooperation for regional economic development' between CAREC countries in accordance with other initiatives for regional cooperation. The debate at the Forum consisted of three main segments, with the first section concentrating on debates on the economic opportunities of Central Asia and regional economic institutions. In view of the global economic situation, officials from international organizations and CAREC country representatives examined the economic circumstances in the regions, considered the opportunities for economic growth and the difficulties posed by the economic structural change in each country. There was also discussion of possible threats in particular industries.

In the second chapter, foreign experts and academics addressed the importance and associated difficulties of improving infrastructure connectivity in the regions of Central Asia. ADB experts also presented the CAREC program's initiatives and contributions to promote the growth of economic corridors and integration in Central Asia. The forum's specialists also addressed the CAREC Institute's ongoing research project on infrastructure investment in Central Asia, and its planned useful and practical result. Representatives of research institutes from CAREC countries have addressed other issues related to productivity, diversification of markets, inclusive growth and funding for the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The last chapter centered on the need and viability of developing an information sharing network between CAREC member states. In this regard, concrete proposals for the creation of a regional think tank network under the auspices of this forum and the establishment of daily contacts and communication networks between each think tank in the Member States have been suggested for consideration, with a view to cross-fertilizing ideas and information for better and better informed regional economic cooperation.

The CAREC Institute has acted as the CAREC Program organization responsible for the generation of information, knowledge resources and knowledge management. It is rising to be the most relevant forum for CAREC countries for academic support. In CAREC nations, the CAREC Institute has access to first-rate academic capital. The Institute offers multi-level and multi-dimensional information resources, such as macro-strategy, policy consultation, staff preparation and project creation, based on the national development goals and regional economic priorities of CAREC countries.

The CAREC Institute has been set up to support countries in the region through information generation, services and management, as a knowledge institution to foster international collaboration between countries in the region. Its vision is to transform the Institute into a leading international regional institution of expertise.

The scope of work of the CAREC Institute also involves exploring new geographical problems and issues related to common countries or industries, as well as opportunities for cooperation in various areas with the potential to offer mutual benefits to countries. Similarly, the mission of the CAREC Institute forms part of knowledge work on cross-regional, cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, including data and intelligence, sharing of experiences and lessons learned.⁹