CAREC Institute Holds Online Policy Dialogue on Transport and Digital Logistics
The CAREC Institute recently held an online policy dialogue titled “Accelerating Transport and Logistics Digitalization in the CAREC Region.” Policymakers, development partners, private-sector representatives, and industry experts from across the region gathered to discuss key issues related to transport and logistics digitalization and to explore a regional roadmap for cross-border digital logistics standardization and the removal of non-physical trade barriers.
The dialogue centered on the findings of the study Digital CAREC: National Electronic Logistics Platforms and Digitalization of Transport Corridors, which is led by the CAREC Institute and supported by the Asian Development Bank. Dr. Valery Vilkovinsky, Chair of the DTLP International Expert Network and international consultant, presented on approaches and principles of transport corridors digitalization in the CAREC region. He noted that the best international practices prove that transport and digital infrastructures should be developed in a coordinated way. This enables not only physical but also digital connectivity across borders to facilitate trade in CAREC countries.
Dr. Tofig Babayev, Head of the International Relations and Innovation Department at the Institute of Control Systems under the Ministry of Science and Education, Azerbaijan and the International Consultant for the CAREC Institute’s research study, delivered findings and outlined key policy implications for the CAREC region. National experts from Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan shared national updates on logistics digitalization, research findings and targeted policy suggestions. The study identifies interconnected national electronic logistics systems and upgraded digital transport corridors as key measures to shorten cross-border transit times, improve customs clearance efficiency, enhance regional supply chain stability, and boost trade vitality across the CAREC region.
In the discussion session, international and national consultants and participants exchanged views on the development of national electronic logistics platforms, digital upgrading of transport corridors, cross-system interoperability, and collaborative mechanisms for cross-border data flows. Participants reviewed and discussed core proposals put forward in the research.
The research results suggest a six-stage framework for implementing national electronic logistics systems, spanning institutional refinement, governance formulation, technical deployment, pilot testing, official launch and capacity building. It is recommended to adopt an “operation-maintenance-management” model and public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable delivery. As a key innovation, the study proposes the Digital Passport concept for major corridor segments. It also introduces a digital maturity assessment system for border ports and standardized single-window modules to boost regional logistics interoperability, identifies priority corridors for digital upgrading, and highlights the need for improved regulatory frameworks to support full-scale system implementation.
In his remarks, CAREC Institute Director Charymuhammet Shallyyev stated that the dialogue has provided a valuable reference for advancing regional digital logistics standardization, eliminating non-physical trade barriers, and deepening cross-border digital logistics cooperation.