DUSHANBE, June 21, 2012, Asia-Plus — Senior officials from the 10 member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program met recently in Hohhot, People’s Republic of China, to review the implementation of CAREC 2020, a strategy that aims to further develop regional transport networks, boost regional trade, and secure reliable, efficient energy over the next decade, press release issued by the Asia Development Bank (ADB) Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM) said.
“Since CAREC was established, many important lessons have been learned, and new challenges in the regional and global environment have emerged. Charting a course through the next phase of CAREC development is essential to the region’s growth and prosperity,” said Asel Chyngysheva, Officer-in-Charge at the ADB TJRM.
The Senior Officials’ Meeting reviewed key developments under CAREC 2020; the proposed CAREC Institute knowledge framework and indicative work plan up to 2017; as well as progress of CAREC’s four priority sectors of transport, energy, trade facilitation, and trade policy.
CAREC promotes project-based cooperation in transport, energy, trade facilitation, and trade policy. The CAREC partnership comprises 10 countries — Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — and six multilateral institutions: ADB, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Monetary Fund, Islamic Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme, and World Bank. ADB has served as the CAREC Secretariat since 2001.
The Tajikistan delegation was headed by Nematjon Buriyev, Senior Adviser to the President for Economic Policy and CAREC National Focal Point for Tajikistan. First Deputy Minister of Energy and Industries Poulod Muhiddinov, and Deputy Minister of Transport Khudoyor Khudoyorov also attended the meeting.
Tajikistan is an active participant and major beneficiary of the CAREC Program, receiving more than $445 million to rehabilitate road corridors from Dushanbe to the Kyrgyz border (Sarytash) and Uzbek border (Tursunzoda); modernize customs infrastructure; build power transmission lines connecting Tajikistan and Afghanistan; rebuild the 500kV switchyard at Norak Hydro Power Plant; and expand and modernize the electricity transmission system.
Participants agreed on “Implementing CAREC 2020” as the theme of the 11th CAREC Ministerial Conference, which will be held from October 30 to November 1 this year. The Draft 2011 CAREC Development Effectiveness Review and the concept for a CAREC Economic Corridor Development Study were also considered.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2011, ADB approvals including cofinancing totaled $21.7 billion
