Past Events

Joint Meeting of the CAREC Regional Trade Group and the Customs Cooperation Committee (CCC)

The Joint Meeting of the CAREC Regional Trade Group (RTG) and the Customs Cooperation Committee (CCC) was held on 4 June 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The meeting discussed  progress in implementation of the recommendations of the Midterm Review of CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda 2030. Mongolia Ministry of Economy and Development State Secretary Batkhuu Idesh and […]

10th Railway Working Group Meeting

Background At the 15th CAREC Ministerial Conference in 2016, CAREC countries adopted the CAREC Railway Strategy 2017–2030 to serve as a guiding document for the sound, long-term development of CAREC railways. CAREC member countries are currently implementing the Strategy. In November 2018, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) mobilized a technical assistance (TA) project to accelerate […]

CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF) Zero Round of Negotiations

On 20 November 2025, the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) countries adopted the Bishkek Ministerial Declaration, officially launching negotiations on the CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF). This marked an important milestone in CAREC countries’ efforts to advance regional economic cooperation and integration in trade and investment. The formal launch of CARTIF […]

CAREC Pilot Project on Electronic Exchange and Mutual Recognition of Conformity Certificates: Kickoff Workshop

ADB, Korea Trade Network (KTNET), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) are implementing a pilot project to develop a model for the electronic exchange and mutual recognition of conformity certificates and test reports, with the aim of reducing processing time in selected products traded among member countries. […]

1st CAREC Transport Smart Mobility Working Group Meeting

Objectives Following the recommendation of the Midterm Review of the CAREC Transport Strategy 2030 endorsed by the Ministerial Conference held in the Kyrgyz Republic in November 2025, the CAREC Smart Mobility Working Group (SMWG) will be established to promote efficient mobility and remove bottlenecks along CAREC corridors. It will discuss key issues and policy directions […]

7th Technical Working Group Meeting on CAREC Advanced Transit System and Information Common Exchange (CATS/ICE): Pilot Phase Implementation

The 7th Technical Working Group Meeting on the CAREC Advanced Transit System and Information Common Exchange (CATS/ICE) Pilot Phase Implementation was held on 19–20 May 2026 in Tbilisi, Georgia. The meeting brought together customs authorities officials of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan, along with technical experts, to review progress in the pilot implementation of CATS/ICE. Representatives […]

Chief Negotiators’ Meeting on CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF)

On 20 November 2025, the CAREC countries adopted the Bishkek Ministerial Declaration, officially launching negotiations on the CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF). This marked an important milestone in CAREC countries’ efforts to advance regional economic cooperation and integration in trade and investment. Following the virtual Inaugural Meeting on the Negotiations for the […]

CAREC and the Global Silk Road: Connecting Regions through Tourism

At the Sideline of 2026 ADB Annual Meeting Tourism is emerging as one of the most dynamic drivers of cross-border connectivity and shared prosperity across the CAREC region. As the modern Silk Road regains global attention, CAREC countries are uniquely positioned to leverage their rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and deep historical linkages to attract […]

Second Virtual Meeting of the Sub-Working Group on Border Health and Investment Planning

“Cross-Border Cooperation for Health Security: Mapping MoUs and Agreements across CAREC” This meeting of the Sub-Working Group on Border Health and Investment Planning aims to review and discuss the findings of the Memorandum of Understanding mapping study on health security across CAREC countries. It will further explore available assessment tools and opportunities for health investment […]

CAREC Pilot Project on Electronic Exchange and Mutual Recognition of Conformity Certificates: Introductory Session

On 21 April 2026, ADB, with the participation of UNESCAP and Korea Trade Network (KTNET) experts, convened an introductory session for the CAREC Pilot Project on Electronic Exchange and Mutual Recognition of Conformity Certificates.