The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) was created to foster connectivity. Air transport connectivity facilitates economic development. This Scoping Study seeks to begin to define a potential role for the CAREC program to enhance the region's effectiveness of aviation. The study provides an analysis of the CAREC region's current state of aviation, and is structured around three principal components of aviation development: policy and regulation, infrastructure and equipment, and operations. It also describes enabling factors necessary to realize the aviation enhancements CAREC member governments seek. The study provides conclusions and outlines a possible way forward on CAREC aviation to assist in shaping action items and capacity-building activities that underpin aviation's role in economic development.

This study examines the potential role of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program in improving aviation in the region. The study provides an analysis of the CAREC region's current state of aviation, and is structured around three principal components of aviation development: policy and regulation, infrastructure and equipment, and operations. It also describes enabling factors necessary to realize the aviation improvements CAREC member governments seek. The study provides conclusions and outlines a possible way forward for CAREC to assist in shaping action items and capacity-building activities that support aviation's role in economic development.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on global aviation as nearly all air travel came to a halt in late March and April 2020. In Central Asia, virtually all domestic and international air travel were suspended in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19. This crisis provides an opportunity to reset the aviation industry in Central Asia Regional Cooperation (CAREC) countries through reforms, new strategies, and restructurings. This study of the pandemic’s impact on CAREC and the aviation industry looks at the gravity of the situation, explores opportunities, and offers some recommendations for dealing with the crisis and facilitating a fast recovery.

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Transport Strategy 2030 builds on progress made and lessons learned from the CAREC Transport and Trade Facilitation Strategy 2020. It separates trade facilitation from transport and links to the overall CAREC 2030 program in the areas of enhanced connectivity and sustainability. This strategy underscores increasing sustainability and network quality alongside continued construction and rehabilitation of transport corridors, and places more emphasis on multimodal connectivity, road asset management, road safety, and performance-based maintenance goals. The CAREC Transport Strategy 2030 will be implemented in conjunction with the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda 2030.

This study seeks to assess the potential of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program as a platform to promote a regional approach to tourism development. It suggests this could be done through the identification of opportunities for enhancing and expanding cooperation among member countries in the tourism sector and by maximizing economic opportunities while safeguarding ecosystems. Promoting cooperation in the tourism sector is one of the operational priorities under the CAREC 2030 Strategy. Tourism is also recognized as an effective way of helping developing countries take part in the global economy and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

This publication provides a diagnostic framework to analyze the level of gender equality in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) countries. It also serves as a basis for developing the CAREC Gender Strategy 2030 and assessing the CAREC Program’s performance in mainstreaming gender in its operations. The analysis includes a comparison of key gender global indicators as well as cross- cutting gender and human development issues, particularly women’s access to decent work, economic opportunities, education and training, health services, information and communication technology, and infrastructure and public services, and women’s participation in decision-making. A representative sample of 107 CAREC projects was reviewed to identify good practices, gaps, and missed opportunities in gender mainstreaming.

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, now 16 years in operation, has recorded impressive achievements in regional economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of transport, energy, trade facilitation, and trade policy. From 2001 to end September 2017, investments in member countries under CAREC have amounted to $30.5 billion, covering 182 projects. CAREC 2030 builds on the solid foundation of progress made under CAREC 2020, and provides the new long-term strategic framework for the CAREC Program leading to 2030. CAREC 2030 is aligned with national strategies and with the 2030 global development agenda. It is inspired by a mission to create an open and inclusive platform that connects people, policies and projects for shared and sustainable development.