CAREC

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program is a partnership of 11 countries and development partners working to promote economic growth and sustainable development in Central Asia and neighboring countries. Established in 2001, CAREC aims to foster economic cooperation and integration among its member countries by focusing on improving transport, energy, and trade facilitation.

The CAREC Program is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which serves as its secretariat. The program's strategic priorities are aligned with the CAREC Regional Cooperation Strategy, which outlines key areas for intervention. These include developing regional transport corridors, enhancing energy trade and security, and simplifying trade procedures to boost intra-regional and extra-regional trade.

CAREC member countries include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Development partners include the ADB, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Saudi Fund for Development, and the World Bank.

Through its various projects and initiatives, CAREC strives to create a more connected and prosperous region. By investing in infrastructure, promoting policy reforms, and fostering dialogue, the program seeks to unlock the economic potential of Central Asia and contribute to poverty reduction and shared prosperity. The CAREC Institute, established in 2014, plays a crucial role in knowledge sharing and capacity building for the program.