Economic Effectiveness of The C5+1 Format for Uzbekistan: Channels of Influence, Outcomes, And Limitations
Annotatsiya
Over the past decade, the C5+1 format (five Central Asian countries + the United States) has evolved from a political-diplomatic platform into a mechanism for promoting projects in regional connectivity, energy, trade, investment, and critical minerals. For Uzbekistan, the economic effectiveness of the C5+1 format is primarily manifested through (1) the reduction of transaction costs and the «coordination effect» at the regional level, (2) expanded access to technologies and financing from the U.S. and related institutions, (3) enhanced export diversification and business environment standards, and (4) increased «negotiating power» amidst competition among external centers of influence. Along with that, economic returns are contingent upon the ability to translate declarations into investment decisions, the quality of institutions and infrastructure, as well as external market conditions and sanction-geopolitical risks. The article proposes an evaluation framework (KPIs) and draws conclusions regarding which areas will yield Uzbekistan the maximum measurable benefits in 2024-2026.