The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its intention to invest over $10 billion by 2030 to support projects and initiatives under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program. This will be a significant step towards creating a sustainable and digital region. The Ministry of Economy's press service reported this event.
ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa emphasized: “Our goal within the framework of CAREC is clear: we strive for a region with economic and environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and digital connectivity. The implementation of these projects will contribute to deeper integration, increased resilience, and joint development.”
This statement was made during the 24th CAREC Ministerial Conference, where participants approved mid-term reviews of key strategies — transport, trade, and digital.
These strategies serve as a "roadmap" for enhancing connectivity in the region, promoting trade diversification and accelerating digitalization through investments in "green" infrastructure, smart mobility, and coordinated regulation. These efforts align with ADB's strategy to promote inclusive, sustainable, and stable growth for the countries of the Caucasus, Central, East, and South Asia.
Moreover, significant progress has been noted in simplifying trade procedures and modernizing border points. In particular, the project "Regional Improvement of Border Services within the Economic Corridor Almaty — Bishkek" has been approved, which will allow for the modernization of three border crossings between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, making them more resilient and energy-efficient.
