CAREC’s Digital Trade Efforts Highlighted at Almaty Logistics Conference

On April 22, Dr. Hans Holzhacker, former Chief Economist and consultant for the CAREC Institute participated in the VI International Scientific and Practical Conference “Logistics of the Great Steppe – 2025,” hosted by the Higher School “Marketing and Logistics” of the Turan University in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event, held in a hybrid format, brought together experts from Kazakhstan and across the CIS region to discuss key issues including logistics trends, supply chain management, and the role of digital technologies in modern logistics.

Dr. Holzhacker delivered a presentation on “CAREC’s Digital Trade Facilitation – Progress and Remaining Tasks.” He emphasized the region’s reliance on trade and the critical role of digitalization in lowering trade costs. Highlighting current achievements, he noted that internet connectivity and electronic submission are among the most developed areas, while digital certification of origin and of sanitary/phytosanitary documentation remain underdeveloped.

Dr. Holzhacker also stressed the need for continued progress, particularly in simplifying complex or costly procedures. He advocated secure and reliable digital systems that eliminate the need for paper-based backups, enabling faster and more cost-effective trade facilitation across CAREC countries.