RTP continues to expand its reach outside Central Asia through www.smetradecenter.net.

The USAID EDP Regional Trade Promotion (RTP) component has achieved another success through its internet based trade portal www.smetradecenter.net with a USD 80,000 deal between the Uzbek firm Ipakimpex and Pakistani firm Sheikh & Sons to supply 20 tons of cocoons for use in silk production.

In May 2005, the Pakistani firm Sheikh & Sons approached Leonid Nim, USAID EDP Trade Specialist in Tashkent, with an interest in purchasing non-pressed cocoons for silk production from Uzbekistan. The company, having found the RTP website through an internet search, asked for RTPs assistance in sourcing a suitable supplier.

Attracted by the Central Asian wide reach of the RTP service and the unique dual language facility of the www.smetradecenter.net, Sheikh & Sons knew that they had found a partner that would be able to offer valuable assistance.

Leonid Nim analyzed the Central Asian, and specifically, the Uzbek market for sell offers that matched Sheikh & Sons request. Mr. Nim found what he considered to be a suitable supplier, and following two months of negotiations between both parties a deal to supply Sheikh & Sons with 20 tons of cocoons was signed with the trading firm Ipakimpex.

This deal represents an important stepping stone for the RTP component, as it rapidly expands its trade network both within Central Asia and with the global market. www.smetradecenter.net and well-established network of EDP trade specialists continue to help the entrepreneurs from different countries find each other and make a mutually-beneficial contracts.