On December 7, Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) of the Asian Development Bank hosted the 19th Ministerial Conference on "Human-Oriented Regional Cooperation in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic" in a video conference format.
In his opening speech, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani thanked Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Georgia for cooperation within the frame of Lapis Lazuli International Transit Corridor, emphasizing Azerbaijan's role in the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor.
Representatives of CAREC member countries and partner international organizations shared their views on ensuring economic stability in the region, developing the economy, creating new jobs and promoting cooperation to improve living standards.
While speaking at the conference, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov said that CAREC is an inclusive cooperation platform for sustainable development of the regional economy and Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the cooperation with the CAREC region. The Minister informed about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Azerbaijani economy and highlighted the implementation of multifaceted measures taken to minimize this impact.
During the event, it was noted that Azerbaijan is located at the intersection of important transport corridors and our country is taking sustainable measures to create a favorable business and investment climate, as well as expand international trade. Azerbaijan also supports the initiatives of the 4th industrial revolution and calls for the digitalization of the economy. M.Jabbarov emphasized the victory of the valiant Azerbaijani troops under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, and the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from occupation. He expressed gratitude to the partner countries for supporting Azerbaijan’s fair position in this conflict. The conference participants were informed that the implementation of new infrastructure projects and business development projects in the liberated lands is one of the main tasks facing Azerbaijan and the revival of the Nagorno-Karabakh region will make a significant contribution to the regional cooperation.
Stressing that Azerbaijan will chair the CAREC program in 2021 for the third time, the Minister of Economy expressed confidence that CAREC will work effectively to promote the economic development of the region.
A framework document on the results of the CAREC 2030 program, draft documents "CAREC Tourism Strategy 2030" and "CAREC Gender Strategy 2030" and a joint statement of ministers were adopted at the meeting.
Note: The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program, established by the Asian Development Bank in 2001, covers Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Turkmenistan. Azerbaijan has been participating in the program since 2003.
