Lika Merabishvili, Regional Director for the Caucasus at StrategEast, participated as a speaker in Sectoral Session IV, “Regional B5+1 Business Agenda on E-commerce and Information Technologies,” during the second B5+1 Forum held on February 4–5, 2026, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The Forum, organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in cooperation with the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, brought together private sector leaders and government representatives from Central Asia and the United States to advance regional economic integration and strengthen trade and investment cooperation.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Merabishvili emphasized the importance of adopting a regional, cross-border approach to digital and IT development in Central Asia. She noted that technology ecosystems inherently transcend national boundaries and require coordinated regulatory environments to enable scalable growth. Highlighting StrategEast’s role as an organization operating across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Ukraine, she underscored the need for greater alignment of digital policies to allow startups and technology companies to expand regionally rather than remain constrained by fragmented national markets.
As part of her participation in the 2026 Business Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, organized by the U.S.–Kyrgyz Business Council (USKGZBC) under the theme “Building Bridges for Shared Prosperity,” Ms. Merabishvili also engaged in high-level meetings aimed at deepening U.S.–Kyrgyz cooperation.
At the Presidential Residence in Bishkek, President Sadyr Japarov met with representatives of American organizations and businesses to discuss priorities for strengthening bilateral cooperation, improving the business environment, and expanding collaboration in key sectors, including innovation and digital development. The meeting provided a valuable platform for direct dialogue on investment prospects and sustainable economic growth.
During the visit to Kyrgyzstan, Ms. Merabishvili also met with Azis Abakirov, Director of the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Deputy Director Chubak Temirov. Discussions focused on cooperation in digital skills development, innovation ecosystem support, startup collaboration, and attracting international technology partners to further strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s digital economy and enhance regional connectivity.
Through its participation in the B5+1 Forum and the U.S.–Kyrgyz Business Delegation, StrategEast reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cross-border digital integration and fostering strategic partnerships that support long-term economic transformation across Central Asia.
