Publications

This publication provides briefings on key trade issues in Central Asia: (i) addressing technical barriers to trade, (ii) expanding trade in services, (iii) engaging in regional trade agreements, and (iv) establishing special economic zones. These issues are priorities under the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda 2030. This set of short papers aims to support policy deliberations and implementation at the regional and national levels

This publication discusses how the CAREC Program can enhance trade by addressing key challenges, including poor market access, limited economic diversification, and weak institutions for trade. CAREC’s new trade strategy leverages on the successes of past CAREC trade work built on mutual trust and collective efforts. It is designed to foster deepened regional cooperation and integration

This CAREC Program Development Effectiveness Review is the sixth annual consolidated picture of progress made by country and multilateral institution partners of CAREC toward economic development through regional cooperation

First CAREC Think Tanks Development Forum was held on June 20th and 21st at Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan with the participation of representatives from think tanks and research organizations from across the member countries of CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) Program. The Forum was jointly organized by CAREC Institute (CI) based in Urumqi, People’s Republic of China and Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the support of Government of Republic of Kazakhstan and Graduate School of Public Policy of Nazarbayev University. The purpose of the Forum was to discuss future cooperation prospects, to develop a Network of Think Tanks from across the Region and create a power house of knowledge to inform CAREC initiative.

The ADB Central and West Asia Department (CWRD) Working Paper Series is a forum for stimulating discussion and eliciting feedback on ongoing and recently completed economic, sector, and policy work undertaken by ADB staff members, consultants, or resource persons in the context of the operational work of CWRD.

To ensure effective and timely achievement of the strategic objectives laid out in CAREC 2020, the 11th CAREC Ministerial Conference held in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China (PRC) in October 2012 endorses the Wuhan Action Plan. Three priority areas of actions are detailed in the Wuhan Action Plan to guide the CAREC Program through its next phase of operations.

CAREC 2020 provides the strategic framework for the Program’s next 10 years. It reflects the required enhancements in the CAP to move the Program toward its vision of Good Neighbors, Good Partners, and Good Prospects.