Features

Member Countries Start to Mainstream CAREC 2020 in National Development Programs

Five member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program have initiated discussion on mainstreaming CAREC 2020 into their national development programs. Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan conducted in-country workshops in May 2012 to start this process, and to accelerate awareness-raising efforts of CAREC’s work.

Providing Electricity to Pakistan’s Remote Fishing Villages

The fisherfolk of the Indus Delta in Sindh Province finally have electricity to light up their homes, and their lives.

ADB pledges $4.7 billion to CAREC 2020

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated $4.7 billion over the next 3 years to support the new 10-year strategy for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program or CAREC 2020, and its goals of trade expansion and improved competitiveness.

CAREC at 10: Connectivity and Trade for Prosperity

The thriving east–west trade that once spanned Central Eurasia along the famed Silk Road is being restored to its former glory thanks to growing transport and trade links being rolled out under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.

CAREC senior officials meet to finalize new strategic framework

The Senior Officials’ Meeting recognized the program’s achievements since its formal establishment in 2001 and senior officials put finishing touches to a new strategic framework—aptly called CAREC 2020—that will guide the program for the next 10 years.

World Bank Approves $110 Million Loan to Improve Electricity Supply in Four Regions of Uzbekistan

The World Bank approved a $110 million loan for the Talimarjan Transmission Project in Uzbekistan. The project aims to improve the reliability of electricity supply in the southwestern regions of Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Navoyi, and Bukhara.

Afghanistan to Receive $341.5 Million for Road and Power Projects

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $341.5 million in grants and technical assistance to Afghanistan for the completion of the country’s vital Ring Road and improvement of its power sector.

A Perfect 10 for CAREC

As the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program prepares for its next decade of regional cooperation, Ministers at the 9th Ministerial Conference in Cebu, Philippines welcomed the accession of two new members - Turkmenistan and Pakistan - increasing the Program’s member countries from 8 to 10.

Kyrgyz Republic’s Energy Sector Gets Assistance from ADB, World Bank

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank are extending assistance to the energy sector of the Kyrgyz Republic. ADB will provide a loan and a grant to help turnaround a power sector hampered by inefficiencies and losses, while the World Bank will provide funds for the energy needs of the country before winter begins.

Central Asia Atlas of Natural Resources

Central Asia—the region made up of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—is a vast land mass separating the countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus from East and South Asia. It is a region rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, and has a surprising variety of animals and plants.