In Uzbekistan, CAREC Tourism Working Group Advances Regional Tourism Cooperation Agenda

From 9 to 11 September, in Tashkent (Uzbekistan), CAREC member countries, development partners, tourism experts, and private sector representatives convened for the CAREC Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting. The gathering marked the reactivation of the TWG and gave renewed momentum to implementation of the CAREC Tourism Strategy 2030 and the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on CAREC Regional Tourism Development. 

Asad Aleem, Regional Head of the Central and West Asia Regional Department of the Asian Development Bank, in his opening remarks underscored the need to shift from strategy to delivery. He emphasized strengthening regional coordination, building a stronger pipeline of tourism investments, and using TWG as a platform for practical cooperation among CAREC member countries. 

During the meeting participants reviewed the work program under ADB’s technical assistance on Sustainable Tourism and Services Trade, assessed tourism priorities and constraints across CAREC countries. They identified regional and cross-border project opportunities. Discussions highlighted connectivity, digitalization, sustainability, skills, private sector engagement, and investment readiness as key drivers of regional tourism competitiveness. 

The discussions advanced plans to upgrade the Visit Silk Road portal, strengthen regional tourism coordination and investment promotion, and develop bankable tourism projects. Participants agreed on follow-up actions and 2026–2027 priorities, including project preparation, sustainability, digital readiness, and knowledge sharing. A field visit to tourism institutions in Uzbekistan further linked the discussions with practical learning and cooperation.