Features

Four Ways to Boost e-Commerce in Central Asia

A joint study by ADB and the CAREC Institute found that much still needs to be done to boost e-commerce in Central Asia, where many countries lack the systems needed for a robust e-commerce ecosystem.

Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS) and Performance-based Road Maintenance Contracts (PBCs) 

Road maintenance works in Garm district, 175 km to the east from Dushanbe under the Dushanbe - Kyrgyz Border Road Rehabilitation Project. The publication on Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS) and Performance-based Road Maintenance Contracts (PBCs)  in the CAREC region aims to improve the management and maintenance of CAREC road corridors through the sharing of best practices that exist within CAREC countries regarding RAMS and PBCs.

Impact of COVID-19 on CAREC Aviation and Tourism

CAREC aviation is proportionately more impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic than the global aviation industry due to a heavy dependence on the international market, according to a study by the Asian Development Bank. The crisis however provides an opportunity to reset CAREC’s aviation industry through reforms, new strategies, and restructurings. This study looks briefly at […]

Railway Sector Assessments for all CAREC Countries

Railway sector assessments for all CAREC countries were completed in 2021. The reports discuss railway sector challenges and opportunities in Central Asia and evaluate the operational and financial performance of railway sectors in CAREC countries, among other things. An overarching report that ties together the issues and findings from the individual country assessments is also available.

Georgian Railway Modernization

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has invested USD 50 million in the first green bond issued by Georgian Railway (GR). Proceeds will be used to refinance GR’s existing notes which are maturing in 2022.

Cargo and Passenger Transport Inspection at the Khorgos Customs Post in Almaty Region

Cargo and passenger transport inspection at the Khorgos Customs Post in Almaty Region, Kazakhstan - People’s Republic of China Border Zone. The road transport sector experienced a very challenging time during 2020-2021 due to Covid-19 pandemic. Many road transport companies are struggling to survive, with global losses expected to reach USD 2 trillion since the outbreak of Covid-19, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU).

Marakand – Karshi Railway Electrification Project

The Marakand – Karshi Railway Electrification Project was designed to support the development of Uzbekistan’s railway system and strengthen trade cooperation with neighboring countries by financing the electrification of the 140 km Marakand–Karshi section within CAREC Corridor 6 (Photo by Relisa Granovskaya).

CAREC Corridor 6 (Ayni-Uzbekistan Border Road)

CAREC Corridor 6 (Ayni-Uzbekistan Border Road) Improvement Project will restore approximately 113 kilometers of road between Ayni-Panjakent in the northern part of Tajikistan and its border with Uzbekistan (photo by Nozim Kalandarov).

Typical Short Sea Container Ship in the Black Sea Trading

Typical short sea container ship in the Black Sea trading at Poti Port of Georgia (photo by Ragas, Sammons, and Khodjaev). Source: Ports and Logistics Scoping Study in CAREC Countries, April 2021.

The Baku International Sea Trade Port of Azerbaijan

The Baku International Sea Trade Port of Azerbaijan is designed as a full-fledged intermodal transport hub with a free trade zone (photo by Ragas, Sammons, and Khodjaev). Source: Ports and Logistics Scoping Study in CAREC Countries, April 2021.