What is one economic activity that all the countries in the Stans have in common?

One common economic activity among the countries in the Stans (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) is agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton and grains. These nations often rely on their agricultural sectors for employment and export revenues. Additionally, livestock farming is prevalent, contributing to both local diets and regional trade. The economies of these countries are also increasingly diversifying into sectors like mining and energy, but agriculture remains a foundational element.