BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 17. Kyrgyzstan shows consistent interest in bolstering regional collaboration, Zheng Wu, ADB Country Director for the Kyrgyzstan Resident Mission, told Trend.
He emphasized that the country actively participates in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program with the aim of fostering a favorable investment climate, boosting trade and tourism, enhancing the business environment, and supporting other vital developments crucial for productive employment.
In the transport field, various projects within the CAREC Program have brought benefits to Kyrgyzstan:
1. Rehabilitation of the Bishkek-Almaty road allowed for stronger connectivity with Kazakhstan and reduced travel time.
2. The upgrading of the Osh-Sarytash-Irkeshtam highway is opening up a new trade corridor with China.
3. Rehabilitation of the Bishkek-Torugart road forms an integral part of the CAREC corridor, connecting Kyrgyzstan with other Central Asian countries and China.
Zheng Wu emphasized the government's substantial progress in promoting the development of the Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC) with Kazakhstan since 2014. This included proposed projects covering reference laboratory testing, tourism, wholesale markets, cross-border modernization, and measures to improve air quality.
Since 1994, the bank has been one of Kyrgyzstan's primary development partners. The ADB's current efforts in the country revolve around economic diversification, fostering inclusive development, and providing social protection.
The ADB collaborates with Kyrgyzstan to enhance legal and regulatory frameworks, create a more conducive business environment, increase access to affordable finance, ensure a reliable electricity supply, improve transportation networks and urban mobility, and enhance employability for its citizens.
The CAREC program was launched by the ADB in 1997. Its goal is to encourage countries in Central Asia, as well as the South Caucasus and South Asia, to work together and cooperate economically.