Workshop on CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement, Time Release Study, and Behind-the-Border Indicators
As part of the CAREC Program’s integrated trade facilitation initiative, Asian Development Bank’s Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring (CPMM) project has been measuring the efficiency of transport and border-crossing points in CAREC corridors using a modified UN time-cost-distance (TCD) methodology.
Since 2009, CPMM has been identifying constraints and bottlenecks that affect the flow of goods within the CAREC region. It also provides useful data and critical inputs for analysis to assist policy formulation, investment decisions, and transport operations.
The CPMM is undergoing continuous refinement to strengthen its methodology (CPMM+). Leveraging on existing methodologies, data collection on “behind-the-borders” indicators has been proposed to supplement CPMM.
Jointly organized by ADB (led by the EAFP Division) and CAREC Institute with support from CPMM team, the workshop gathered experts from development partners (UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, World Bank Group/IFC) to discuss the continuing improvement of CPMM and promote the use of CPMM data to broader stakeholders including the private sector and research institutions of CAREC countries.
Masahiro Nishimura, senior transport specialist, East Asia Department, shared ADB’s role in enhancing connectivity and logistics efficiency in Asia and the Pacific through subregional initiatives, including CAREC and Greater Mekong Subregion.
Aziz Haydarov, senior portfolio management specialist, ADB Azerbaijan Resident Mission, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and integration particularly to Azerbaijan, including its aspiration to be a transport and transit hub in the region.
The workshop is part of the implementation of the ADB Regional Technical Assistance for CAREC: Working with the Private Sector in Trade Facilitation, Phase 2 (TA 8746), supported by the Regional Cooperation and Integration Fund, Technical Assistance Special Fund, and People’s Republic of China Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation Fund. It is jointly supported by TA 8301: CAREC Supporting Capacity Development Needs of CAREC 2020 and CAREC Institute.