Astana, 20 November 2024 – The National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken", in collaboration with the CICA Secretariat and the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, successfully hosted the Seventh Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council and the Ninth CICA Business Forum, gathering over 140 representatives from all 28 CICA Member States. These high-level events underscored the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fostering sustainable economic growth across the CICA region, with focus on leveraging artificial intelligence for SME development, enhancing cross-border trade through e-commerce advancements, addressing challenges in logistics and infrastructure, empowering women in SMEs across the CICA region and prioritizing sustainable development within SMEs.
The plenary session served as a platform for Member States to share insights and foster collaboration. Raimbek Batalov, Chairman of Atameken and the CICA Business Council, emphasized Kazakhstan’s achievements during its chairmanship and highlighted USD 82 billion in trade with CICA countries in 2023 and the presence of over 36,000 companies with investments from CICA nations. Reflecting on past challenges, he underscored progress in digitalization and food security.
CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay highlighted CICA’s achievements under Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship, including the adoption of the Astana Statement on Transformation, the CICA Transformation Road Map and the establishment of new CICA structures: the Council of Eminent Persons, the CICA Think Tank Forum and the CICA Fund. He also pointed to Kazakhstan’s initiatives, such as the CICA Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues, institutionalizing CICA Finance Summit and establishing a Council on Sustainable Connectivity to address supply chain challenges.
Ambassador Sarybay expressed optimism about the future Azerbaijan’s leadership, with Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), set to assume the Chair in December 2024. Mr. Mammadov outlined Azerbaijan’s strategic vision prioritizing a green economy, ESG principles, and the Baku Climate Coalition Declaration for SMEs’ Green Climate Transition, aiming to actively involve SMEs in tackling climate change and pursuing environmentally friendly business practices.
Dr. Qiang Xiaoyun of the Shanghai Institutesfor International Studies (SIIS) emphasized the critical role of research in shaping SME policies in the CICA region. She highlighted China’s robust framework for SME support while identifying challenges such as data transparency and coordination among Member States. SIIS, in cooperation with the CICA Secretariat and Member States, plans to develop an e-book on SME policies within the CICA framework.
A total of 33 speakers from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan made significant contributions to the discussions at the CICA Business Council meeting.
The Business Council adopted a forward-looking agenda for its next meeting, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025 in Baku, reaffirming its commitment to fostering SME growth and sustainability. The agenda includes exploring the role of SMEs in developing smart cities and implementing national incentives; promoting industrial cooperation and enhancing SME participation in global value chains (GVCs) through digital services and platforms; supporting SMEs in achieving a green transition; driving SME growth through digitalization.
The Ninth CICA Business Forum welcomed approximately 60 participants, including representatives of the Afghan business community. The discussions centered around sustainable development for SMEs, green business practices, and leveraging AI and digital technologies to create regional and global opportunities.
Both events concluded with a shared vision to advance SMEs as catalysts for regional cooperation, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth. The CICA Business Council reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for driving economic collaboration and innovation across the region, with a continued emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity.
