Central Asia’s Transition to a Market Economy: An Analytical Comparison with China

Abstract

The independence of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in the former Soviet space of Central Asia in 1991 was followed by intense efforts of nation-building by those newly independent states. Economic reform and transition to a market economy are an indispensable part of such efforts. In the last five years, all five have announced and started to implement their ambitious programmes for economic reforms. Market-oriented economies are emerging in Central Asia. This essay is a preliminary analysis of the background, the international and domestic context, the process and social conditions of economic reforms in Central Asian states. On the basis of this analysis, a comparison between the Chinese experience and economic reforms in Central Asia is also provided, wherever appropriate.