Features

It’s Time for Rail Systems to Lead Central Asia’s Growing Cross-Border Trade

The CAREC Program is helping countries in the region link rail systems by upgrading infrastructure and tackling complex commercial and legal challenges.

A sneak peek at CAREC’s new strategy

The new strategy is an important milestone and a collective opportunity to unleash the potential of regional cooperation for Central Asia.

Time for SMEs in CAREC to move beyond borders

The improved connectivity of the region provides opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in CAREC countries to inject new life in the economies of the program's member countries.

Six ways Asian economic cooperation is changing the region

Asia is going through sweeping transformations that have altered its economic landscape in fundamental ways.

Developing Aktobe Region – Investing in Kazakhstan’s Future Economic Growth

An hour and a half flight to the west of the capital Astana brings you to the Aktobe oblast (region) of Kazakhstan – where you will find yourself at the intersection of air, rail, and highway routes leading to Russia, Uzbekistan, and the Caspian Sea.

How Can Trade Accelerate Afghanistan’s Growth?

With an average annual population growth rate of 3 percent and an estimated 400,000 individuals entering the labor market each year, Afghanistan needs much higher growth rate to improve per capita incomes and to provide quality employment opportunities for the expanding workforce.

Facilitating Trade in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

The World Bank Group is helping governments in Europe and Central Asia align with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and implement tangible measures to facilitate trade.

Milestones in CAREC Transport

The 15th CAREC Ministerial Conference unanimously endorsed two strategies to promote safety along CAREC corridors and provide a blueprint for long-term development of CAREC railways.

Shining a Light on Central Asia

The region is opening up to new investors, reform processes are under way, and more is known about Central Asia in the world.

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.