The export of services plays a crucial role in enhancing the export potential of Central Asian countries and diversifying their export portfolios. This article presents an econometric analysis of the key factors influencing service exports, utilizing statistical data from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan from 2000 to 2021. The analysis employs various methodologies, including fixed effects, random effects, GLS, and fixed effects with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors. The findings reveal that UNCTAD's ICT index and the category "Private Sector," along with GDP per capita, significantly contribute to the growth of services exports in Central Asian countries. On the other hand, population size negatively affects the volume of services exported by the countries analyzed. Based on the results obtained, recommendations were developed to boost traditional and modern services exports from Central Asian countries.
This paper examines the trade dynamics of landlocked Central Asia, with a particular focus on Uzbekistan. The geographical disadvantages of Uzbekistan, a double-landlocked country, significantly impede its trade competitiveness due to high transportation costs and prolonged transit times. Historically dependent on exports of commodities such as cotton, gold, and natural gas, Uzbekistan’s economy remains vulnerable to global market fluctuations. To mitigate these challenges and enhance its trade potential, the study underscores the necessity of diversifying into value-added sectors and improving trade logistics infrastructure. By employing the gravity model of trade, the paper evaluates the impact of trade facilitation measures on bilateral trade volumes within the Central Asian region. The findings highlight the critical role of infrastructure development, customs modernization, and regional cooperation in bolstering Uzbekistan’s trade efficiency. The analysis reveals that countries with advanced trade facilitation measures engage in higher trade volumes with Uzbekistan, suggesting that strategic investments in transport infrastructure and regulatory reforms are pivotal. These efforts are essential for integrating Uzbekistan more effectively into global markets and fostering economic growth within the region.