POSSIBILITIES OF DEVELOPING A SINGLE FOOD MARKET IN THE COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL ASIA

Central Asia experienced major socio-economic shocks during the 1990s, which has increased food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty. In response, Central Asia has adopted food self-sufficiency policies. This paper argues that regional and international trade can improve food security if implemented properly. However, a new constraint on food trade has arisen — food safety. Using food commodity data and analysis from Trade Map, this paper analyzes Central Asia’s intra-region food security policies. Evidence shows that food safety practices will affect internal food trade in Central Asia. Finally, a framework for creating a single food market is proposed.Central Asia experienced major socio-economic shocks during the 1990s, which has increased food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty. In response, Central Asia has adopted food self-sufficiency policies. This paper argues that regional and international trade can improve food security if implemented properly. However, a new constraint on food trade has arisen — food safety. Using food commodity data and analysis from Trade Map, this paper analyzes Central Asia’s intra-region food security policies. Evidence shows that food safety practices will affect internal food trade in Central Asia. Finally, a framework for creating a single food market is proposed