Enabling environment and regional cooperation were underscored
(iii) Webinar on Facilitating Diversification and Economic Recovery through the Services Sector (). Attended by over 100 participants, the webinar discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by CAREC countries in enhancing services trade within the region. Experts from ADB, ESCAP and ADBI supported the discussions of the services study conducted with TA support.
(iv) Webinar on E-commerce and Paperless Trade (). Attended by over 120 participants and representatives from all CAREC countries, the webinar discussed the alignment of CAREC’s legislations with international standards for e-commerce development and underscored the role of cross-border connectivity and improved customs services. Experts from ADB, CAREC Institute, UNESCAP, UNCITRAL shared their knowledge and initiatives.
To maintain its relevance, a new RSAP for 2019-2021 has been deliberated at the meeting and reported to the Senior Officials Meeting in for endorsement at the 18th Ministerial Conference in
(v) 3rd CAREC Regional Trade Group Meeting (). The Meeting, chaired by Afghanistan»s Ministry of Industry and Commerce discussed the implementation of CITA 2030 and welcomed the progress and initiatives on services trade, e-commerce, and WTO accession. Over 80 participants, including Appointed Representatives of Countries (ARCs), CAREC officials, experts and representatives from the World Trade Organization, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, CAREC Institute and ADB attended the meeting.
(vi) Assistance to Azerbaijan on WTO accession impact assessment study that will guide bilateral market access and multilateral negotiations has been initiated.
(vii) In , Turkmenistan was granted WTO observer status and in , the Seminar Series for Turkmenistan’s Road to WTO Accession was launched with support from the WTO Secretariat, ADB and other development partners. The TA is supporting an impact assessment for Azerbaijan’s accession, preparation of Turkmenistan’s Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime.
(a) Advancing Economic Diversification in CAREC Countries through the Development of the Services Sector (Q4 2021). The study identifies key service industries with strong potential in CAREC economies and discusses the elements of an enabling environment for services and specific actions for CAREC countries.
(b) Regulatory Framework for E-commerce Development in CAREC Countries (published in ). Jointly conducted by ADB and CAREC Institute, the study evaluates CAREC countries’ legislative and regulatory framework and proposes actions to facilitate region’s domestic and cross-border e-commerce. The publication was launched at a virtual conference on E-Commerce Development in CAREC Countries: Assessment and the Way Forward on as part of a series of webinars or virtual conference were organized as part of the CAREC Trade Week: Enhancing Cooperation in Digital Trade.
Appointed representatives of CAREC countries and development partners participated at the 2nd Regional Trade Group meeting in . The meeting discussed the progress of CITA and the implementation of activities under the RSAP.
In addition, an informal meeting among development partners with trade-related programs was organised in to create synergies and minimize duplication of efforts.
To keep the RSAP relevant and address the issues and priorities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey was conducted among CAREC countries on CAREC trade measures and assistance required.
TA 9712-REG
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