On an energy-equivalent basis Central Asia is predominantly a gas producing region. Potential for oil and hydropower development is vast however. This paper examines the current and predicted future status of the energy industry of Central Asia, and assesses opportunities for regional-wide cooperation in development, transportation, and trade. The findings are based on a just-completed Asian Development Bank survey of Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Xinjiang, People＇s Republic of China. Investment and trade of energy is being sought by government officials in the region as a means of boosting local economies. Importantly, the cooperation is being influenced by centuries-old cultural and ethnic ties.