Features

In Almaty, Sharing Knowledge to Strengthen Energy and Water Security Across Central Asia

In Central Asia, energy and water security are critical to boosting income levels, reducing poverty, and ensuring sustainable development for all citizens across the region. This cannot be achieved, however, without enhanced cooperation at both the national and regional level.

A snapshot of e-commerce in Central Asia

In 2015, Central Asia made some important improvements in the environment for cross-border e-commerce: Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organization will boost commercial transparency, while the Kyrgyz Republic’s membership in the Eurasian Customs Union expands its consumer base.

ADB Mission Visits Special Free Economic Zones in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic

An ADB mission met with government officials responsible for the oversight and supervision of special economic zones in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Dangerous, Gravel Road that Was Hindering Kazakhstan’s Trade with the World

A single, critical roadway was hobbling Kazakhstan’s efforts to expand trade with Asia and Europe – that is changing.

ADB Cites CAREC Role in Regional Economic Cooperation at Astana forum

ADB CWTC Director Xiaohong Yang met with Kazakhstan First Vice Minister of Investment and Development, Zhenis Kassymbek, in Astana to discuss ADB's ongoing support in transport and future partnership opportunities.

Keeping the Lights On in Kazakhstan’s Largest City

The Alma Transmission Project, supported by the World Bank, contributed to the completion of a new electricity supply infrastructure through the construction of a 321.7 kilometer-long transmission line.

Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to develop first CAREC economic corridor

Almaty and Bishkek will work together to identify physical infrastructure, policy and institutional initiatives, and market opportunities for development of the economic corridor.

CAREC Corridor 2 Road Investment Program (Mangystau Oblast)

The first project under this investment program—partly funded by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) multitranche financing facility of $800 million—rebuilt about 200 kilometers along the Manasha–Beki road, improving bridges, culverts, and other infrastructure.

Faster Border Crossing Time, Higher Transport Costs in CAREC Countries

It takes slightly less time to cross border-crossing points (BCPs) but the cost of border clearances and traveling across CAREC corridors is significantly higher, according to the latest CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring (CPMM) Report.

Highlights of the CAREC Senior Officials Meeting

Aside from progress in the program's four priority sectors, the midyear CAREC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM)discussed updates on the proposed economic corridor development (ECD) study, the CAREC development effectiveness review (DEfR), the CAREC corridor performance measurement and monitoring (CPMM) report, and the CAREC Institute.