Insights from the Policy Dialogue on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation in the CAREC Region
The Policy Dialogue on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation in the CAREC Region, held virtually on April 28, 2025, brought together policymakers and industry leaders to explore ways to enhance trade efficiency through digital solutions and sustainable practices. Discussions highlighted the importance of capacity building, cross-sector collaboration, and fostering innovation to create a robust trade facilitation environment.
During his presentation, Dr. Ghulam Samad, Chief of the Research Division at CAREC Institute, highlighted how regional uncertainties such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and trade disputes have negatively impacted trade facilitation indicators, while also noting the increased use of the Middle Corridor (CAREC Corridor 2). To address these challenges, a digitalization strategy is proposed for the national segments of the Middle Corridor, with the goals of reducing transportation costs, minimizing delays at seaports and land borders through improved planning and real-time data sharing, and enhancing transparency and cargo visibility via the TIR system. This approach is especially important given that a round trip from Poti to Almaty and back can take up to a month, and implementing better shipment monitoring will allow shippers to track cargo more effectively, thereby reducing uncertainty and strengthening overall supply chain resilience.
Ms. Soo Hyun Kim, Economic Affairs Officer at UNESCAP, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in implementing the cross-border paperless trade framework and highlighted the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises and women in trade, calling for targeted measures to boost their participation and promote inclusive growth. She stressed the need to align digital strategies with environmental, social, and governance standards to ensure sustainable and effective trade facilitation. Additionally, she advocated for integrating digitalization with sustainable development goals and underscored the importance of training policymakers and businesses to support successful digital adoption. Ms. Kim also emphasized establishing measurable indicators to monitor progress and improve transparency in trade initiatives.
Ms. Laraib Ghaffar, Domain Officer from Pakistan’s Single Window, reiterated the importance of aligning research with policy-making, advocating for clear performance indicators and capacity-building initiatives. She called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate risks and improve trade facilitation measures.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to advancing a collaborative, digital, and sustainable trade facilitation framework. The insights gained will guide future initiatives aimed at improving regional trade efficiency and economic growth in the CAREC region.