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May 11, 2005. Top officials discuss deepening of regional cooperation in Central Asia

Senior officials from the governments of Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, gathered in Manila in late April to discuss ways to expand regional cooperation in Central Asia, our correspondent has learnt from ADB press service. The Senior Officials' Meeting was hosted by ADB's Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, which also brings together various multilateral organizations involved in the region. "The CAREC Program has dealt with major issues and made important strides in recent years," said Craig Steffensen, head of ADB's CAREC unit. "The program is now working to turn the trust that has developed among the participating countries and development partners into concrete programs and projects that will deliver tangible results to the people of Central Asia." The meeting enabled detailed discussion on the four key areas identified for increased regional cooperation, namely, transportation, trade facilitation, trade policy, and energy, among the participating governments and development partners including ADB, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Bank. In specific sectors, delegates agreed that a CAREC Energy Sector Coordinating Committee should be established. The meeting endorsed the Trade Policy Coordinating Committee plan to analyze factors leading to delays in or costs of entrance or transit of goods across borders. The committee will present recommendations on measures to reduce delays and costs at the next senior officials meeting. In the transport sector, the meeting approved the Transport Sector Coordinating Committee's 2005 Work Program, the Regional Transport Sector Roadmap, a proposal to harmonize cross-border transport procedures and documentation, and a proposal to harmonize transport regulations. Air transport will be included in the sector program. In order to avoid overlap and duplication of regional activities, delegates agreed that CAREC should coordinate with other regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Central Asian Cooperation Organization. At the same time, it was stressed that CAREC should retain its unique identity in promoting regional economic cooperation. The meeting welcomed active participation of the private sector in CAREC activities. A Regional Business Roundtable is being prepared to enhance the role of business community in CAREC, and options for engaging private sector with the CAREC program are being identified in a strategy to be presented at the upcoming 4th Ministerial Conference in Bishkek. Delegates also agreed to begin a two-track approach to the possible expansion of CAREC membership. "Delegates will consult their respective Governments on Russia's and Afghanistan's participation in CAREC, and convey to the Secretariat the position of their Governments by 31 May 2005," said Mr. Steffensen. "Simultaneously, the Secretariat will consult informally with Russia and Afghanistan on their interest in participating in the CAREC program." ADB has supported the CAREC Program since 1997. As of 31 December 2004, ADB had approved seven regional investment projects totaling $275.1 million, mobilized cofinancing of $135.2 million for three of these projects, and approved 22 technical assistance grants totaling $12.9 million. In 2005-2006, ADB investment projects totaling $247 million and technical assistance grants totaling $12.3 million are planned. CAREC senior officials and development partners will meet again in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, in September. The 4th Ministerial Conference on Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation will be a few weeks later, also in Bishkek.