The Central Asian economy is highly dependent upon a few commodities – in particular, Oil and Gas. In
2002, oil production, transportation, and processing accounted for about 16 percent of GDP, while
exports of oil and fuel products accounted for 56 percent of the total. Metallurgy (ferrous and non-ferrous
metals) and grains are the only other significant export products. Exports of non-extractive commodities
mainly grain, cotton and meat products, have been stagnant since 2000, and the economy faced the
daunting challenge of diversification.
Although income per capita reached US $1510 in 2002, substantial inequalities remain. The Central Asia
also has some of the lowest social indicators in the Europe, including those of access to safe drinking