Features

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.

Upgraded Tajikistan Road Improves Access to Markets

An ADB-supported project has upgraded a key transport corridor in landlocked Tajikistan, giving businesses and residents better access to services and distant markets.

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.

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.

47th Annual Meeting – Rethinking Asia’s Challenges at the Crossroads of the Silk Road

ADB's 47th Annual Meeting, held in Astana from 2 to 5 May, saw much discussion on connectivity, innovation, and the need to keep up with the demands of a changing Asia and Pacific.

Tajikistan Hydropower: Strengthening the Power Supply

The Soviet-era Nurek hydropower plant supplies most of Tajikistan's electrical power, but its technology is antiquated and the land its switchyard is built on is sinking, requiring an ADB intervention of funds and expertise.

Central Asia Cross-Border Trade and Transport

Rehabilitated roads in landlocked Tajikistan boost trade at home and with other Central Asian nations and the People's Republic of China.

Tajikistan Transport: Surhob River Bridge Saves Lives

In Tajikistan, a new bridge across the Surhob River is connecting once-isolated villages to the amenities of town, saving lives in medical emergencies, and providing a much-needed shot in the arm for small businesses.

ADB Loan Benefits CAREC Corridor 3, Connecting Shymkent and Tashkent

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $125 million loan to finance rehabilitation of a 37-kilometer (km), four-lane section of the 99 km Shymkent-Tashkent road.