Special Session on CAREC Digital Strategy 2030 Midterm Review at the Asia Pacific Digital Transformation Forum 2025

On 26 June 2025 in Manila, senior officials from CAREC digital ministries and members of the CAREC Digital Strategy Steering Committee gathered for a special meeting chaired by Minister Azamat Zhamangulov of Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic at the margins of the Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Forum. Ms. Lyaziza Sabyrova, Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration of ADB’s Central and West Asia Department discussed how the ongoing midterm review of the CAREC Digital Strategy 2030, in parallel with the review of the CAREC trade and transport strategies, can support CAREC countries leverage digital technology to enhance cross-border connectivity and respond better to countries’ evolving priorities. ADB’s Digital Sector Office Director Antonio Zaballos expressed ADB’s commitment to increase sovereign and nonsovereign operations on digital transformation, working closely with CAREC members in developing regional investment framework and technical assistance.

CAREC members welcomed the proposed establishment of a CAREC Digital Corridor, of which a scoping study of a potential investment project is underway. Members also expressed support to explore feasibility of a regional Fund of Funds to harness digital start-up ecosystem and innovation corridor. The event also featured the proposed Kyrgyz Republic’s project on green data center, with transaction advisory service from ADB. The Kyrgyz Republic invited CAREC members to the CAREC Technology Forum, which will be held at the sideline of CAREC Ministerial Conference in November 2025 in Bishkek.

Key Documents

Agenda | RU

Progress ReportRU

Session 1 – CAREC Digital Strategy MTR | RU

Session 2a – Pakistan as Digital Corridor for the CAREC Countries | RU

Session 2b – CAREC Digital Corridor | RU

Session 2c – Accelerating Startup Ecosystem Through Regional Fund-of-Funds Investments | RU

Session 3 – RIF and Next Steps | RU