CAREC Institute Participates in International E-Commerce Forum to Promote Digital Development in CAREC Region

The International Cooperation and Exchange Forum on Global E-Commerce Education and Development was held from March 28 to 30 in Xi’an, People’s Republic of China (PRC). It was co-hosted by the National E-Commerce Education and Development Alliance and Xi’an Jiaotong University. The forum focused on the global shared economy and the growing role of artificial intelligence and aimed to promote e-commerce innovation, scientific research, and digital education. Over 150 participants attended, including scholars and representatives from organizations like the CAREC Institute, Tsinghua University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Springer Nature, and Elsevier.

Mr. Charymuhammet Shallyyev, Director of the CAREC Institute, delivered the opening address. He noted that fragmented cross-border regulations hinder innovation and that aligning policies could foster investment, innovation, and growth. He highlighted the vital role of knowledge institutions in advancing research and facilitating policy dialogue to harmonize standards and strengthen cross-border digital governance.

Dr. Ghulam Samad, Chief of the Research Division at the CAREC Institute, presented on “Regional Economic Digitalization and Trade Facilitation in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation” in a parallel session on artificial intelligence and digital integration. He discussed how digital trade measures can reduce trade costs and enhance economic connectivity. Citing the ESCAP and CI’s joint Study on “CAREC Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation 2023”, Dr. Ghulam noted that the CAREC region has an average implementation rate of 69% for trade facilitation measures, with the PRC, Azerbaijan, and Georgia leading the region. He emphasized the need to advance digital trade to improve trade facilitation and promote sustainable development.

In a session on international cooperation and development, Dr. Ghulam, on behalf of Dr. Asif Razzaq, Senior Research Specialist at the CAREC Institute, presented findings from two key CAREC Institute reports: Digital CAREC (Phase I) and Digital FDI Ecosystem in the CAREC Region (Phase II). In his presentation titled the Digitalization in the CAREC Region, Dr. Ghulam discussed the findings and results of the digital economy, covering digital infrastructure, payment, e-commerce, and internet access in CAREC countries. He noted that the region’s digital gap challenges require both investment and policy changes. Dr. Ghulam suggested several solutions, including affordable internet plans, digital education programs, lower internet costs, a clear e-commerce framework, stronger cybersecurity rules, and better regional integration.

As Digitalization changes economies, working together and taking focused actions are crucial to closing the digital gap and improving e-commerce in the CAREC region. The CAREC Institute will continue supporting the growth of the digital economy by improving digital infrastructure, aligning policies, and encouraging regional collaboration.