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Central Asian Governments Endorse Plans to Boost Transport, Trade and Energy

DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN (03 November 2009) – Ministers and senior officials from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan endorsed major plans to advance cooperation in the region's transport, trade and energy sectors during the 8th Ministerial Conference on Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) held in late October in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

"CAREC is at work across the region building transport and energy infrastructure, simplifying border and trade arrangements, undertaking research on regional issues, and building networks in support of cooperation," ministers said in a joint statement at the conclusion of the conference. "This work is opening new economic opportunities for millions of our citizens."

Endorsement of the Energy Action Plan Framework and the Program Results Framework further strengthens CAREC's mission to develop through cooperation, with the objectives of increased economic growth and poverty reduction, expanded and diversified trade, and strengthened capacity for regional cooperation and integration.

The energy action plan focuses on bolstering regional cooperation to support energy security and investments for regional and export opportunities. The results framework will help track the progress of CAREC's investments and policy programs.

"The global economic downturn had underscored the value of the regional cooperation embodied by CAREC," said Asian Development Bank's Country Director for Tajikistan, Makoto Ojiro, during the post-meeting press conference in Dushanbe. "In this difficult period, the CAREC Program has maintained its focus and is delivering on its goals through cooperation. Crisis creates opportunity, and, working together, CAREC members can use this challenge to strengthen partnership and expand collaboration."

The Tajikistan government delegation was headed by Matlubkhon Davlatov, State Adviser to the President on Economic Policy, who is also an ADB Governor for Tajikistan. The delegation comprised Negmatjon Buriev, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Policy and CAREC National Focal Point for Tajikistan, deputy minister from the ministry of energy, and staff from the ministry of economic development and trade. The delegation was also accompanied by Mr. Ojiro.

"CAREC's ultimate goals require moving to a new implementation phase, when everyone needs tangible results," said Mr. Buriev. "We have to make serious efforts to implement approved documents that set directions and priorities for regional cooperation."

Founded in 1997, CAREC is a partnership of eight countries — Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, the People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan — and six multilateral institutions: the Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Monetary Fund, Islamic Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme and World Bank. ADB has served as CAREC Secretariat since 2000.

Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. ADB has been supporting poverty reduction in the country through investments in infrastructure, agriculture and rural development, social sector, and regional cooperation. As of October 2009, ADB has approved $372.54 million in loans, $33.89 million in technical assistance, and $160.77 million in grants to Tajikistan.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2008, it approved $10.5 billion of loans, $811.4 million of grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to $274.5 million.

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