Join George Washington University's Central Asia Program for a virtual discussion on a new report detailing the social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus in Central Asia. 

The social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus are amplified in Central Asia, where healthcare resources are limited, supply chains are vulnerable and government revenues are dependent on a narrow range of commodities produced by extractive industries. While the spread of the disease in Central Asia is moderate, the economic repercussions are more serious. With cross-border trade volumes and commodity prices at historic lows due to COVID lockdown measures, the region’s national governments are straining to implement policy measures that address both disease containment and economic stimulus--a difficult balancing act that if executed poorly could significantly exacerbate the consequences of coronavirus. 

The resilience of the region, or the ability of its people, communities, governments and systems to withstand the impacts of negative events and to continue to grow despite them, is being put to the test. The report discusses four primary areas of resilience-building that, if addressed, will enable Central Asia to not only weather the remainder of the COVID storm, but emerge with stronger and more competitive economies that can continue to improve quality of life for its citizens.

RSVP is required and can be found at this link. Other useful information -- event number (access code): 120 885 7914; event password: CAP0709.

Speakers:

Marlene Laruelle (moderator), research professor and director of the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES), co-director, PONARS (Program on New Approaches to Research and Security in Eurasia), director of the Central Asia Program, George Washington University

Daniel A. Witt, president, International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC)

Ariel Cohen, senior fellow, International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC); non-resident senior fellow, Atlantic Council Eurasia Center; member, Council of Foreign Relations

James Grant, research fellow, manager, Energy Growth and Security (EGS) program, International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC)

Javier Piedra, deputy assistant administrator, Bureau for Asia, USAID