Accelerate Regional Cooperation in Central Asia, Ministers Urge

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN (2 November 2004) - Ministers from Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan agreed yesterday that deepening regional integration in Central Asia is essential for greater shared prosperity, and to strengthen further their cooperation and joint efforts toward this objective.

"Regional cooperation provides a strategic means for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and for reducing poverty in Central Asia," the Ministers said in a Joint Ministerial Statement issued at the close of the Third Ministerial Conference: Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Ministers expressed confidence that the region's improved economic performance in recent years will be sustained, and highlighted the "vital importance of economic integration, and of strengthening links with regional and global markets."

More than 100 people including Ministers and high-level delegations from the seven member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program attended the Conference.

The Conference was organized by ADB and the Government of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the

International Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. Senior representatives from each multilateral institution and other development partners participated in the Conference.

ADB President Tadao Chino's keynote address emphasized that regional cooperation offers the fastest route to expanded opportunities and improved living standards for the people of Central Asia.

"We all know that regional cooperation is not easy. Finding ways to share valuable resources; opening borders to people and goods; coordinating the construction of transport and telecommunications networks. These are all complex issues," Mr. Chino said. "But I believe we all now agree: Regional cooperation is not an option for Central Asia; it is a necessity."

"Meaningful success will require difficult choices. It will require patience and careful nurturing, with a focus on tangible results. Most importantly, success will require steadfast political commitment and goodwill," Mr. Chino said.

In their statement, Ministers instructed senior officials of the CAREC Program to develop a comprehensive plan of action for regional cooperation to 2007 that includes the sequencing and prioritization of initiatives.

Ministers said the plan should include the findings of a study on the main impediments to growth in the CAREC member countries and recommendations on practical, results-oriented initiatives to overcome the impediments. This plan is to be ready for consideration and adoption at the Fourth Ministerial Conference in 2005.

"Sustained rapid economic growth is the most important means for reducing and eventually eliminating poverty in the region," the statement says. "Sustaining interest in regional cooperation depends on achieving real benefits for all participants."

Ministers agreed that a number of challenges must be addressed if the region's considerable economic potential is to be fully realized.

Among the challenges are: the need for improved infrastructure, particularly energy, power, road, rail, civil aviation and telecommunications systems; upgraded basic services such as education and health care; continuation of the transition from central planning to market-based economic systems that support private sector development; modernization of agriculture; the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade; and, the effective use of the region's water and energy resources in ways that are mutually beneficial.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to address these challenges and position the region for sustained growth.

"Working together, CAREC member countries can create a climate of trust and positive outlook that catches the attention of international investors, tourists and others who will bring capital, innovation, and job opportunities to the people who live in the region," they said.

Ministers highlighted the importance of establishing trade and transport links with neighboring countries, and welcomed a presentation by ADB outlining the improvement of road corridors that will connect Central Asia with South Asia through Afghanistan. These transport corridors will provide crucial access for Central Asian nations to seaports and external markets.

Ministers also encouraged CAREC to undertake further analytical work on regional cooperation and expressed appreciation for the UNDP's preparation of the Central Asia Human Development Report. The report is expected to be completed in 2005.

At the invitation of the Government of Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministers agreed that the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation will be held in Kyrgyz Republic next year.

Read the President's speech

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