Central Asian states: On the way from autarchic dependence to regional andglobal interdependence

The paper undertakes the first attempt to re-calculate the main registered trade data of Central Asian states for the period 1991-1993. The aim is to achieve comparability of statistics on their total trade, as well as on tra de with the republics of the former Soviet Union (FSU) and the rest of the world. Official publications contain such data only since 1994. On the basi s of a restored time series for the 1991-1997, a more consistent evaluation of trends, dynamics and geography of Central Asian states' trade is made. Special emphasis is laid on problems and vulnerabilities (trade deficits, c ommodity structures and transit transport dependence), combined with impact s of external trade shocks that occurred in 1997-1998. In conclusion, the p aper argues that further diversification of foreign trade on a market basis through export promotion could be the best option to cure existing weaknes ses.