The coverage of USAID EDP Regional Trade Promotion (RTP) service has been significantly increased through a number of innovations introduced. As of April 2005 EDP have been working with 6 partner organizations in Kyrgyzstan which now offer consulting services on export / import operations and deal making assistance for local businesses.

These partners offer RTP services with access to a one-stop online information and trading resource www.smetradecenter.net through which local businesses can gain access to domestic and international markets. The introduction of RTP partners offering a range of fee-based trade services are a further step towards commercialization and long term sustainability of the RTP service.

Shamil Ibraghimov, EDP's Trade Specialist in Bishkek, delivered RTP induction trainings for these partner organizations on methods and procedures for establishing business relationships with suppliers and buyers for local businesses, deal making assistance, development of commercial proposals and purchase orders, conducting business negotiations and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.

The work of RTP partners in Kyrgyzstan has resulted in 6 deals valued over 286 000 USD after only two months of operation. As an example, "JSL" LLC, one of RTP's partner organizations, has assisted in concluding a deal to purchase and install equipment for a trout farm in Issyk-Kul.

Another innovation that further improves RTP services was the launch of online registration in June 2005, which enables RTP to significantly expand the existing client base and the number and range of offers posted. Previously, businesses would register with the assistance of an EDP trade specialists. Now businesses can self-register by filling a simple online registration form. As a result of this innovation, the number of registrations in June and July 2005 are two and a half times more than the first five months of 2005.

With over 2,700 businesses registered in the business directory, RTP has already directly facilitated over $ 94 m of trade deals for 660 clients throughout Central Asia. The expansion of the RTP network through inclusion of new partner organizations and the launch of online self-registration online will help further increase the impact of the trade service for Central Asian businesses.