Features

Off-grid solar can be game-changer for electricity access in Central Asia

More than 700 million people in Asia and the Pacific still have no access to electricity, and a large number of them are in two CAREC Program member countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

CASA-1000: Powering up Central and South Asia

CASA-1000 is a short name for the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Program. This is the first step towards creating the Regional Electricity Market which will leverage Central Asia's significant energy resources to help alleviate South Asia's energy shortages on a mutually beneficial basis.

A snapshot of e-commerce in Central Asia

In 2015, Central Asia made some important improvements in the environment for cross-border e-commerce: Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade Organization will boost commercial transparency, while the Kyrgyz Republic’s membership in the Eurasian Customs Union expands its consumer base.

Road Project Opens Pakistan Valley to Tourists

Restoring a vital road damaged by the 2005 earthquake boosts tourism and opens livelihood opportunities in Pakistan’s Neelum Valley.

Second Trade and Transport Facilitation Project

The project aims to improve performance of trade and transport logistics by facilitating the implementation of the National Trade Corridor Improvement Program and the simplification and modernization of Pakistan's international trade practices and procedures.

Faster Border Crossing Time, Higher Transport Costs in CAREC Countries

It takes slightly less time to cross border-crossing points (BCPs) but the cost of border clearances and traveling across CAREC corridors is significantly higher, according to the latest CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring (CPMM) Report.

Highlights of the CAREC Senior Officials Meeting

Aside from progress in the program's four priority sectors, the midyear CAREC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM)discussed updates on the proposed economic corridor development (ECD) study, the CAREC development effectiveness review (DEfR), the CAREC corridor performance measurement and monitoring (CPMM) report, and the CAREC Institute.

47th Annual Meeting – Rethinking Asia’s Challenges at the Crossroads of the Silk Road

ADB's 47th Annual Meeting, held in Astana from 2 to 5 May, saw much discussion on connectivity, innovation, and the need to keep up with the demands of a changing Asia and Pacific.

Mapping the Renewable Energy Revolution

A new World Bank program is helping developing countries map their renewable energy potential in a new way that produces rich, nationwide data.

Central Asia Cross-Border Trade and Transport

Rehabilitated roads in landlocked Tajikistan boost trade at home and with other Central Asian nations and the People's Republic of China.