Abstract
This article presents a comparative analysis of the current state of creative industries in Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The aim of the study is to assess the key parameters of the creative economy at the regional level and to identify common trends and differences across countries. The research employs a descriptive-comparative method based on data from UNCTAD, UNESCO, the World Bank, and national statistical agencies, as well as an analysis of digital activity using open-source data. The findings show that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan hold leading positions in the region in terms of the creative economy's contribution to GDP, employment levels, and activity on digital platforms. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan demonstrate dynamic growth in the small creative enterprise sector, particularly in crafts and design. Data on Turkmenistan are limited, but the economic significance of traditional culture and crafts remains high. It is established that the contribution of creative industries to GDP across all countries ranges from 2 to 7%, while the region's total creative goods and services exports in 2024 amounted to approximately USD 850 million. The article concludes with practical recommendations for developing regional cooperation, digital competencies, and intellectual property protection infrastructure.