Features

Improving Food Safety to Enhance a Country’s Social and Economic Well-Being

Turkmenistan is adopting international food safety standards to safeguard public health and to boost the trade of agro-food products.

[IMF Blog] COVID-19 Pandemic and the Middle East and Central Asia: Region Facing Dual Shock

The impact of COVID-19 and the oil price plunge in the Middle East and the Caucasus and Central Asia has been substantial and could intensify.

Making the Most of Capital Flows in the Middle East and Central Asia

As economies in the Middle East and Central Asia become increasingly integrated into global capital markets, a central question has emerged: How can countries reap the benefits of capital inflows while guarding against the risks posed by sudden market shifts?

Expanding food trade in Central Asia through modernizing sanitary and phytosanitary measures

Agriculture and livestock exports present huge opportunities for countries in Central Asia. However, countries in the region face significant problems related to sanitary (animals) and phytosanitary (plants) standards, which currently do not meet the quality-control requirements of many countries. (Photo credit: World Bank)

How do you like them apples? Central Asia gets ready to help feed the world

Central Asia is home to a treasure trove of marketable fruits and vegetables but food safety must be addressed before they can be marketed globally.

Reviving Connectivity and Diversifying Trade in Central Asia

In Central Asia, it once took up to 58 hours and $318 for a cargo truck to cross a border. Countries in the region are working together to streamline the process for goods and services to move across borders.

Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia and the Caucasus

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure projects are expected to cut trade costs and enhance foreign investment in Central Asia and South Caucasus countries.

IN PICTURES: Tajikistan and the World Bank Group–25 Years of Partnership

Since 1996, the World Bank Group has provided over $1.5 billion to Tajikistan, and remains committed in its support to the country as it strives to improve the lives and meet the aspirations of its young and growing population.

How do deepening global, regional value chains affect national export performance?

Deepening global value chains have underpinned international trade growth in recent decades. This has also been supported by major developing economies’ incorporation into global trade mechanisms under the World Trade Organization system, and by the advancement of mass transportation through container logistics.

We need to lower health risks in SEZs. Here’s one way.

Assessing health impacts in special economic zones mitigates potential risks and enhances benefits for workers and their families.