Central Asia is located at the junction of two continents and represent a historically important bridge between Europe and Asia. Central Asia includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Central Asian region borders on Russia in the north, on Afghanistan and Iran in the south and on China in the east.

Both EU and Central Asian countries are interested in the development of partnership relations, promotion of peaceful interaction and prosperity of this region.

EU and CACs assess the demands of each party while implementing certain tasks. These tasks include ensuring stability and security, sustainable economic development, countering poverty as well as close regional cooperation both within the region and between EU and central Asia.
At present, the European Union continues investing in the region in general and in each country individually. During 2007-2013 EU allocated about 719 million Euros for various regional programs and projects in certain countries.

Inflows of foreign direct investment in the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – during 2009-2012 increased over sixfold against the period of 2000-2005.

The central Asian region has a huge economic potential and considerable energy resources including oil, gas and hydroenergy. All this serves to ensure that the mining industry will attract further investments in the Central Asian countries.

According to the information contained in the global investment report for 2012 the largest investments were made in Kazakhstan ($8.0 billion against $2.5 billion in 2010) and Uzbekistan.

* including estimates

Generalized data for the last 24 months (source: Crossborder Investment Monitor)