With the decline of socialism and the end of the Soviet Union, the way was opened for the countries of Central Asia to promote the proclamation of independence, this starting in 1991. So, the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) joined the CIS (Community of Independent States), an association created by former republics of the USSR
The surge of independence in Central Asia promoted several changes in the political and economic configuration of the region. Some changes occurred almost simultaneously, such as the implementation of electoral processes and the opening the economy, for example, thus making room for the entry of capitalism and capital foreign.
The configuration of the Central Asian economy is largely linked to the primary sector, mainly in the segment of agriculture, livestock and mineral extraction.
In agricultural production, the cultivation of cotton and fruit stands out. For the development of agriculture it is necessary to use irrigation techniques intensively to guarantee productivity and internal food supply. In pastoral production, the region's main creations are: sheep and goats. Agricultural activity plays a huge role in the economic composition of Central Asia.
As for mineral extraction, the subcontinent hosts deposits of various types of minerals in its subsoil. Among many, the main ones are: coal and iron ore in countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and oil and gas in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. There are also processing industries, such as steel, petrochemical, food and textiles.
By Eduardo de Freitas
Graduated in Geography
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/a-economia-asia-central.htm
