CAREC Senior Officials' Meeting 2025

The CAREC Senior Officials’ Meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul on 17–19 June 2025 discussed the action plan, concrete projects and key initiatives to implement the recommendations of the midterm review of the CAREC Strategy 2030. The Kyrgyz Republic’s Minister of Economy and Commerce Mr. Bakyt Sydykov welcomed the CAREC Program’s achievements, particularly the infrastructure projects leading to connectivity and stronger economic ties along the CAREC transport and trade corridors. ADB’s Director General for Central and West Asia Department Mr. Eugene Zhukov highlighted that stronger ownership, deeper collaboration including partnership with the private sector and transformative projects are key to achieving impactful results and shaping the future of the CAREC Program. ADB’s Director General for East Asia Department Mr. Ehsan Khan concluded with the next steps including the finalization of the midterm review of CAREC transport, trade and digital strategies for Ministerial endorsement.

ADB’s Regional Head for Regional Cooperation and Integration Ms. Lyaziza Sabyrova and CAREC National Focal Point for the Kyrgyz Republic and Vice MInister of Economy of Commerce Mr. Sanzharbek Bolotov, presented the proposed key deliverables and activities including the Business Development Forum and technology/digital event at the margins of the 24th CAREC Ministerial Conference in November 2025 in Bishkek. The meeting was attended by over 130 participants from CAREC member countries and development partners reinforcing the commitment of CAREC countries to regional cooperation and sustainable development.

Key messages include:

  1. the need to integrate digital technology into trade, transport, energy, and climate change operations to enhance impact;
  2. aligning CAREC’s strategic objectives with national development priorities and develop a robust regional project pipeline; and
  3. strengthening the coordination and monitoring mechanisms as well as stakeholders communications.

Three side events were held on 17 June tackling critical minerals, public-private partnership, and sustainable tourism.

For more details, agenda and event materials, please visit this link.