CAREC Program

Feature Items

The Almaty–Bishkek Economic Corridor

The Almaty–Bishkek Economic Corridor, which emanated from the Almaty–Bishkek Corridor Initiative, transforms the area into a single space where exchange of ideas, movement of goods and meeting people is fast, easy, and free of barriers. This fact sheet explains the corridor concept and its application through Almaty–Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC) development, shows the achieved milestones, and outlines the tasks ahead.

CAREC and its Vitality for Pakistan

Pakistan has been looking for new ways to overcome trade barriers for trade in Central Asia at the heart of increasing integrated global markets. Sustainable Development Policy Institute invited Asian Development Bank Central and West Asia Department Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Director Safdar Parvez to discuss the CAREC Program and the current standing of Pakistan in CAREC.

Source: Others

17th CAREC Customs Cooperation Committee Meeting

Customs representatives from each CAREC country provided updates on the CCC priority areas as well as ongoing customs-related initiatives at the national level.

Upgraded Tajikistan Road Drives Regional Cooperation and Trade in Central Asia

The Asian Development Bank assisted Tajikistan in upgrading the Dushanbe–Tursunzade road, which is part of the CAREC Corridor 3 that spans almost 7,000 kilometers from the Russian Federation in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south. The improved road in Tajikistan connects the country to its neighbors and opens up opportunities for trade and commerce. (View video)

Source: Asian Development Bank

Decision Makers’ Guide to Road Tolling in CAREC Countries

This publication highlights challenges in implementing toll road projects relevant to the circumstances of CAREC countries and is intended as a practical resource for policy makers.

A Diagnostic Study Of Kazakhstan’s Special Economic Zones And Industrial Zones

This diagnostic study provides an overview of the features, functions, and effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s existing special economic zones and, to a much lesser extent, its industrial zones), in order to identify and correct their shortcomings and formulate guidelines in accordance with international rules and best practices, so as to enhance their contributions to the success of the country’s economic development strategy.

CAREC Project Portfolio

From a modest start in 2001, the number and value of CAREC projects—including loans, grants, and technical assistance—have grown rapidly. As of December 2017, more than $31.5 billion has been invested in transport, trade facilitation, and energy projects.

Economic Corridor Development

Developing economic corridors is a priority for the CAREC Program, which has funded infrastructure connectivity among member countries for more than a decade. As CAREC member countries become more developed and connected to each other, they can benefit by cooperating at a higher level by linking markets, ideas, and people.

Latest Events

Workshop on Improving SME Trade Finance Environment in the CAREC Region

Third CAREC Energy Investment Forum

About 200 government officials, energy professionals, development partners, private investors, and technology providers joined the forum, which aimed to present and discuss a range of new energy technologies that could be quickly adopted in Central Asia.

CAREC Energy Sector Coordinating Committee (ESCC) Meeting

Fourth Joint Meeting of the CAREC Customs Cooperation Committee and CAREC Federation of Carriers and Forwarder Associations

Members of both organizations discussed issues including utility of Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring or CPMM results as tool for improving border management, development of standards to benefit both customs and freight forwarders, and strengthened customs to business dialogue mechanisms.

17th CAREC Customs Cooperation Committee Meeting

Customs representatives from each CAREC country provided updates on the CCC priority areas as well as ongoing customs-related initiatives at the national level.

CAREC At a Glance

More than $31.5 billion invested in transport, trade facilitation, and energy projects
From 6 projects in 2001 to 185 projects, as of December 2017

CAREC Timeline

News and Features

ADB approves new partnership strategy for Kyrgyz Republic

Sep 25, 2018; Asian Development Bank

ADB supports first distributed renewable energy system in Mongolia

Sep 21, 2018; Asian Development Bank

Experts discuss bridging funding gap for Asia’s $8.4 trillion transport needs

Sep 12, 2018; Asian Development Bank

Key Projects

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Transport Key Project

Transport

Xinjiang Regional Road Improvement Project

The many new road connections in Xinjiang are the result of government plans to provide strong trade links for the booming eastern provinces and to improve access to remote western regions in the People's Republic of China.

Trade Key Project

Trade

Second Trade and Transport Facilitation Project

The project aims to improve performance of trade and transport logistics by facilitating the implementation of the National Trade Corridor Improvement Program and the simplification and modernization of Pakistan's international trade practices and procedures.

Energy Key Project

Energy

Nurek 500 kV Switchyard Reconstruction Project

The Nurek Hydroelectric Power Plant also plays an important role in regulating the frequency of power transmissions to the interlinked electricity networks of four other Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.