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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIELD
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Setting directions for CAREC 2030 implementation
The CAREC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), held on 17–19 June in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyz Republic, discussed the action plan, projects, and key initiatives to implement the recommendations of the CAREC 2030 Strategy Midterm Review. Key messages included integrating digital technology into trade, transport, energy, and climate change operations; aligning CAREC’s strategic objectives with national development priorities; and strengthening coordination, monitoring mechanisms, and stakeholder communications. Three side events were held on 17 June tackling critical minerals, public-private partnership, and sustainable tourism. Over 130 participants attended the meeting.
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Turning CAREC 2030 insights into action
CAREC program countries’ National Focal Points held a meeting in Manila on 5–7 March to discuss operationalizing the CAREC 2030 Strategy Midterm Review recommendations and strengthening the program’s initiatives through strategic planning and prioritization. Vice-President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang emphasized the importance of prioritizing high-impact projects, engaging in continuous discussions, and implementing centralized planning with decentralized execution, while collaborating with other development partners. ADB management from various departments moderated key sessions covering regional public goods, transport and economic corridors, trade, energy, digital transformation, and human development. See video highlights.
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Unlocking growth of critical minerals through regional cooperation
On 17 June, CAREC member countries met on the sidelines of Senior Officials Meeting to explore opportunities for unlocking the region's critical minerals potential through enhanced regional cooperation. Countries shared national strategies and development needs, and examined successful regional cooperation models from ASEAN and Latin America's Lithium Triangle. Discussions also focused on creating enabling environments for foreign investment and developing value-added supply chains beyond raw material extraction.
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Boosting regional connectivity through public-private partnerships
On 17 June, ADB and the PPP Center of the Kyrgyz Republic hosted a session on cross-border PPP projects and success stories on the sidelines of Senior Officials Meeting . The discussion focused on how cross-border PPPs can boost regional connectivity, bridge financing gaps, and support national and regional development. Experts from the Türkiye PPP Excellence Center, UNECE, EDB, Sustainable Infrastructure Foundation, IFC, Republic of Korea, and PPP Expertise Eurasia highlighted the importance of intergovernmental agreements, harmonized legal frameworks, joint planning, upstream project development, institutional coordination, and technical and innovative support to ensure effective and inclusive PPP projects. Read the news article from Astana TV.
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Advancing regional tourism through cooperation
On 17 June, tourism agencies and private sector representatives from five Central Asian countries met on the sidelines of Senior Officials Meeting to discuss advancing regional tourism cooperation. The event explored ways to promote cross-border tourism through visa liberalization, infrastructure upgrades, digital solutions, and joint branding. Discussions also highlighted the VisitSilkRoad portal and growing tourism investments. Participants reaffirmed the need for coordinated regional action to position Central Asia as a seamless, sustainable, and globally attractive tourism destination under the CAREC Tourism Strategy 2030. The event was co-hosted by the CAREC Secretariat, ADB, and the Kyrgyz Republic’s Department of Tourism.
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Building momentum for
CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement
On 28–29 August, trade representatives from 10 CAREC member countries gathered in Bishkek for a workshop on the CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF). The workshop focused on finalizing the CARTIF zero-draft and the draft Joint Bishkek Declaration as key steps toward formal negotiations. Active involvement from stakeholders highlighted the shared recognition of CARTIF’s transformative potential and encouraged open discussion of trade and investment issues. As the next milestone approaches—the Ministerial Conference in November, countries aim to harmonize positions and finalize documentation, with momentum from Bishkek setting the stage for meaningful progress under the CARTIF initiative.
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Fostering digital transformation and regional digital connectivity
On 26 June in Manila, CAREC digital officials and Steering Committee members participated in a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Forum to review progress on the CAREC Digital Strategy 2030. Discussions focused on using digital tools to strengthen cross-border connectivity and align with evolving national priorities. ADB reaffirmed support for digital investments and technical assistance. Members welcomed the proposed CAREC Digital Corridor and expressed interest in exploring a regional Fund of Funds to boost digital startups and innovation.
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Driving implementation of Transport Strategy 2030
On 16–17 June in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, the 22nd CAREC Transport Sector Coordinating Committee Meeting reviewed progress under the CAREC Transport Strategy (CTS) 2030 and endorsed the midterm review recommendations. The meeting supported several new initiatives, including draft CTS 2030 recommendations; the formation of working groups on road asset management, road safety, and smart mobility; a proposed regional financing facility to upgrade and develop border-crossing points; and a dedicated working group for CAREC Corridor 2. Next steps will focus on implementing the CTS 2030 midterm recommendations and holding follow-up discussions to address issues raised during the meeting.
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Enhancing cooperation in green and digital trade, services, and investment
On 13 June, the CAREC Regional Trade Group (RTG) deliberated on the midterm review of the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda (CITA) 2030 and recommended to prioritize digital trade, services trade and cross-border investment promotion, green and digital supply chain, and private sector engagement, including SMEs, business innovators, and startups. The outcomes of the RTG meeting, attended by over 50 participants in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, were reported to the CAREC Senior Officials’ Meeting.
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Accelerating progress on the CAREC Railway strategy
The CAREC Railway Working Group held is 9th Meeting on 10–12 June in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic to discuss status of implementation of regional strategy for Central Asian Railway, Unlocking the Potential of Railways: A Railway Strategy for CAREC, 2017–2030. Participants reported on progress achieved, shared experiences and lessons on selected topics, and discussed next steps. The following proposals have been presented: (i) study of multimodal corridor for container transport service between PRC, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Poti, (ii) development of a railway code for Tajikistan, (iii) a pre-feasibility study of the northern section of the second north-south rail corridor in Mongolia between Kushig Valley and the Russian border, and (iv) development of a guidance note on human resource management in railway organizations, addressing staff restructuring, assessment of skill needs, and staff training and development programs.
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Pushing for food security and agricultural modernization
On 21–23 May in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic the first meeting of the CAREC Working Group on Food Security explored regional programming prioritizing agriculture and food security, in support of ADB’s $40 billion by 2030 investment program for food systems transformation. Representatives from CAREC countries and development partners including the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, and the World Bank attended the event. Consultations prioritized measures to promote agriculture modernization, food trade, food tracking and traceability systems for livestock exports, food processing, climate-smart agriculture, food security information sharing, and the establishment of potential regional food reserves. ADB shared its plans to develop suitable investment options with a regional food security impact.
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Learning from ASEAN on green bond innovation
A workshop on Issuance of Sovereign and Private Sector Green/Climate Bonds: Lessons from the ASEAN was held on 19–20 May in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It provided CAREC countries with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of green bonds through ASEAN’s experience. Presentations focused on the overview of green bond structures, benefits, and their role in advancing the SDGs. The workshop allowed CAREC members to explore the potential of developing common standards to align national practices, improve transparency and consistency, and position green bonds as a credible regional asset class. Such standards could also enable mutual recognition of green bonds and support cross-border investment within the CAREC region.
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Facilitating deeper customs integration and modernization
The 5th Technical Working Group Meeting on the CAREC Advanced Transit System and Information Common Exchange (CATS/ICE) Pilot Phase Implementation was held on 12–13 March in Baku, Azerbaijan. The meeting discussed the outcomes of the CATS/ICE prototype system testing undertaken in September 2024 and the testing of the version 2 in February, and further reviewed the proposed changes on the information and other fields in the system to be implemented by the developers. The meeting also deliberated the CATS/ICE Activity Plan for 2025 and the way forward of the initiative.
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Transforming green transport and energy corridors under Trans-Caspian connectivity
A CAREC high-level session held on 6 May, on the sidelines of ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, gathered CAREC officials, regional leaders, and experts, delving into the transformative potential of the Trans-Caspian connectivity, focusing on transport and green energy corridors. The Caspian Sea plays a strategic role in the CAREC region and presents opportunities for Caspian states and their neighbors to diversify their economies, leverage transit and trade arrangements, and unlock the region’s renewable energy potential through greater access of landlocked nations to the rest of the world. The seminar discussed challenges and opportunities to build more resilient transport and green energy corridors in the CAREC region. It emphasized the critical importance of soft infrastructure, policy harmonization, and regional cooperation to transform the region from a transit zone into a vibrant economic hub.
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Transitioning to low-carbon and climate-resilient health systems
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Powering cross-border green energy
ADB, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the energy ministries of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 4 April to support the Feasibility Study for the Caspian Green Energy Corridor Project. The MOU establishes a high-level framework for cooperation, focusing on the development of a robust institutional and legal framework to facilitate cross-border electricity trade among the three countries. The Caspian Green Energy Corridor Project aims to bolster regional energy cooperation and promote green energy trade among CAREC members. It will involve the interconnection of energy systems and the establishment of a green corridor for renewable energy transmission and trade. It envisions comprehensive transmission of green energy from the Caspian region to Europe via the Black Sea Cable.
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Strengthening green skills development in the region
The 2nd Meeting of the CAREC Working Group on Skills Development was held on 3–5 April in Baku, Azerbaijan. This event brought together around 40 high-level officials from CAREC participating countries and regional agricultural universities to discuss and advance green skills development in the region. The meeting featured a high-level session with Deputy Ministers of Education from CAREC countries. A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening regional cooperation in skills development among CAREC countries. The event concluded with site visits to relevant research and development facilities in Baku, providing participants with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for knowledge exchange.
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Elevating women in the renewable energy sector
On 21 February, the CAREC’s Guest Speaker Series convened a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and global initiatives for women in the renewable energy sector. The session, hosted through the CAREC Women’s Empowerment Online Platform, featured Aruzhan Mominbayeva, CAREC Gender Climate Champion for Kazakhstan in 2024 and Project Manager for the Center of Green Technologies. In her inspiring talk, Ms. Mominbayeva delved into the underlying causes of women’s underrepresentation in the renewable energy field and shared valuable insights on overcoming these barriers through the promotion of gender equality, inclusivity, and innovation. The virtual discussion saw active participation from nearly 70 attendees across CAREC countries, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering women and fostering a more inclusive energy future.
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CAREC Corridor 2 as a
Gateway to Trans Caspian connectivity | English
The Trans Caspian region stands at the critical crossroads where transport corridors and energy systems converge, creating opportunities for economic growth and regional integration. CAREC Corridor 2, one of six CAREC corridors, closely aligns with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor. As a key multimodal route, it connects Central Asia to the global markets by linking roads, railways, and ports across the region. More than just a trade route, CAREC Corridor 2 is a vital artery that supports economic growth, fosters cross-border cooperation, and enhances connectivity.
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Introduction to the CAREC Water Pillar | English | Russian
The Trans Caspian region stands at the critical crossroads where transport corridors and energy systems converge, creating opportunities for economic growth and regional integration. CAREC Corridor 2, one of six CAREC corridors, closely aligns with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor. As a key multimodal route, it connects Central Asia to the global markets by linking roads, railways, and ports across the region. More than just a trade route, CAREC Corridor 2 is a vital artery that supports economic growth, fosters cross-border cooperation, and enhances connectivity.
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CAREC Road Crash Investigation Manual
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This manual sets out ways to improve procedures for collecting, investigating, and analyzing road crash data in the 11 Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program countries to support informed decision-making and boost road safety. Analyzing the impact of fatal and serious road crashes which cost countries up to 5% of gross domestic product and dent development, it makes recommendations based on globally recognized best practices. Stressing the need for clear accident reporting and the maintenance of road safety databases, it shows how reliable data can support road safety education and advertising campaigns, strengthen traffic enforcement, and reduce crash casualties.
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Deepening Trade and Transport Facilitation Policy Analysis of Border Crossing Points: Expanding the CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring Framework
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The report introduces the Cross-Border Trade and Transport Facilitation Index (CBTTFI) as an extension of the CPMM framework to provide more detailed assessments of border performance in selected CAREC countries. Based on survey data, the index identifies key operational, institutional, and regulatory factors affecting trade and transport facilitation. The analysis supports efforts to inform policy dialogue and guide improvements in border management and corridor efficiency in line with the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda 2030.
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- CAREC Session at the 3rd Global Digital Trade Forum | 29-30 September 2025; Hangzhou, PRC
- CAREC National Focal Points Meeting | 15 October 2025 ; Virtual
- CAREC Business Forum | 18-19 November 2025; Bishkek , Kyrgyz Republic
- 24th CAREC Ministerial Conference | 20 November 2025; Bishkek , Kyrgyz Republic
For details and other upcoming events, visit CAREC events calendar.
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