CI Welcomes Second Visiting Fellow: Mr. Khalil Raza on Road Transport Decarbonization with a focus on Electric Mobility in the CAREC region

On September 23, the CAREC Institute (CI) headquarters hosted Mr. Khalil Raza, the second visiting scholar of the 2024 Visiting Fellow Program (VFP). He delivered a lecture titled “Decarbonizing Road Transport: Transitioning to Electric Mobility in the CAREC Region.” Mr. Raza, a seasoned expert in sustainable energy, possesses extensive experience in program development, project management, and policy analysis, particularly in the areas of clean energy and climate mitigation. The presentation drew the attention of CI management and specialists, all eager to engage with his expert insights on this vital environmental and economic challenge.

Dr. Hans Holzhacker, CI Chief Economist and Mr. Raza’s supervisor under the VFP, opened the session with brief remarks. Mr. Raza’s presentation focused on global trends in electric mobility, with an emphasis on China’s leadership in the sector. He also examined the existing policy frameworks, incentives, and barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption across CAREC economies. Highlighting the progress in several CAREC countries, Mr. Raza credited government-backed incentives, such as import duty and tax exemptions on EVs, as key drivers. He further explored the potential for regional trade in EVs, with China playing a pivotal role, and called for enhanced collaboration on infrastructure development and policy alignment. Mr. Raza emphasized that EVs are crucial for reducing emissions, improving air quality, and bolstering energy security in the region.

Throughout the session, CI management and experts engaged actively, posing questions and discussing various aspects of electric mobility. The dialogue centered on the current status and future potential of EVs in the CAREC region, particularly their role in reducing carbon emissions. Attendees showed strong interest in China’s experiences with policy support and infrastructure development, and how these lessons could inform similar efforts in CAREC countries. The VFP has so far welcomed two scholars to participate in on-site research and discussions, with three more scheduled to join the program in the near future.