New Report Unveiled: Transforming Trade in Central Asia through Digital and Sustainable Facilitation
Almaty, Kazakhstan, – The CAREC Institute, in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), is proud to announce the release of a groundbreaking report titled “Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation in the CAREC Region.” This comprehensive study was officially unveiled today at the CAREC Institute’s 4th Annual Research Conference.
This critical report is based on the 2023 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation and offers a thorough assessment of the progress made across the 11 CAREC member countries. The report meticulously examines 60 trade facilitation measures, categorized under General, Digital, Sustainable, and Other Trade Facilitation measures.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Strong Implementation Performance: CAREC countries collectively achieved an impressive average implementation rate of 69% for general and digital trade facilitation measures, closely aligning with the Asia-Pacific region’s average of 67%.
- Regional Leaders in Implementation: China leads the region with an outstanding 91% implementation rate, followed closely by Azerbaijan and Georgia, each at 87%.
- Notable Regional Trends: From 2021 to 2023, the region saw significant advancements in crisis-responsive trade measures, increased participation of women in trade facilitation, and the adoption of cross-border paperless trade.
- Potential for Substantial Trade Cost Reductions: The analysis highlights the potential for significant reductions in trade costs through the full implementation of digital trade facilitation measures, which could lower international trade costs by up to 15% for CAREC countries.
Framework for Digital Advancement
The report identifies the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific as a crucial instrument in supporting CAREC countries to strengthen their national Single Windows and achieve greater cross-border interoperability.
The full report is available at the following links:
About the CAREC Institute
The CAREC Institute is dedicated to fostering regional cooperation and driving economic growth through rigorous research, knowledge sharing, and strategic policy advocacy. By promoting collaborative initiatives among its member countries, the Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable economic development and addressing regional and global challenges.
