The event was organised by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s Regional Office for Central Asia and brought together representatives of leading think tanks, research institutions and educational organisations from across the region.

During the seminar, participants discussed opportunities for developing the critical minerals sector, attracting investment and technology, expanding processing capacity and strengthening regional cooperation.

Experts noted growing international interest in the region’s mineral resource potential. As major economies seek to diversify their sources of strategic raw materials, the European Union, the United States, Japan, China and other external partners are increasing their engagement in this sector.

Particular attention was given to the interest of regional countries in expanding processing capacity and developing higher value-added production. It was emphasised that the development of critical mineral resources could support technological modernisation, the establishment of new industries and broader industrial cooperation.

In this context, participants considered opportunities to develop regional value chains. It was noted that individual stages, from extraction and processing to the manufacture of more sophisticated products, could be developed in line with each country’s resource base, infrastructure and specialisation.

Participants also focused on the environmental and social dimensions of mining projects.

The seminar concluded by highlighting the need for continued expert engagement and closer coordination among the relevant institutions of the region in order to develop practical approaches to cooperation on critical minerals.