Tajikistan

Much of Central Asia’s trade is moving by rail. Photo: ADB

How Trade via Rail in Central Asia Can Mitigate the Energy and Climate Crises

Trade via rail in Central Asia has proven highly effective in recent years. It needs further support to take it to the next level.

Zulfia Khamitovna Karimova

Photo: While the pandemic restricted Asia’s overseas workers, the money they sent home continued to flow. Photo: Bady Abbas

Turbulent Remittance Flows During the Pandemic Highlight the Need for Reforms

Despite the global economic turmoil, remittances remained remarkable resilient during the pandemic. Reforms are needed to keep this financial lifeline strong in the years ahead.

Stefan Schipper, Sean Crowley, Karen Firshan

If strategically managed, Central Asia’s re-opening to tourism could bring major economic gains for countries in the region. Photo: Ramola Naik Singru

When Global Tourism Returns, the Silk Road Awaits

Central Asia has the opportunity to create a sustainable, safe, easily accessible, and well-known tourism destination that provides a variety of year-round, quality experiences.

Ramola Naik Singru, Carmen Maria Garcia Perez

Central Asian economies have a brighter future with deeper involvement in global value chains. Photo: ADB

Five Keys to Expanding Central Asia’s Global Value Chains

Central Asia’s long-term economic prosperity depends upon participation in global value chains and upgrading to higher value-added activities.

Minsoo Lee

Maintaining trade and other forms of regional cooperation is vital to rebounding from the pandemic. Photo: ADB

In Central Asia, COVID-19 Response Demands Improved Regional Cooperation

By working together with countries to make sound socioeconomic development strategies, multilateral financial institutions can contribute substantially to the fight against the pandemic.

Duc Tran

Power sharing is crucial for Central Asia to meet its energy goals. Photo: Matthew Henry

In Central Asia, a Soviet-Era Electricity Network Could Power Future Energy Sharing

With expanding regional cooperation and a readily available platform, the building blocks are in place for Central Asia to achieve energy security, resilience and economic competitiveness.

Seung Duck Kim

In Central Asia, major reforms are needed for the economy to survive the pandemic. Photo: Laurentiu Morariu

Countries in Central and West Asia Must Avoid a COVID-19 Race to the Bottom

Governments in Central and West Asia must commit to reforms and get them right, or face a downward spiral. The costs of the crisis are already obvious in rising deficits and debt. There is no room for complacency.

Guntur Sugiyarto, Werner E. Liepach