International trade can drive economic growth and tighter regional links in Central Asia, senior officials and trade experts agreed at a high-level forum organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) on October 22-23, the WTO reported. Senior government officials, including chief negotiators working on WTO accession talks, gathered at WTO headquarters in Geneva under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program to discuss how the region can shape the global trading system.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says Central Asia sits in a prime spot between major economic centers in Europe and Asia, with rich mineral reserves and green energy potential. The region could play a key role in what she calls the re-globalization agenda, but needs to cut trade costs, simplify border procedures, and reduce red tape. “Lowering trade costs…would help attract more investment, encourage more trade and support growth and employment,” she said.
Digital connectivity matters especially for Central Asian economies, since most are landlocked. AI and digital tools could turn the region into a hub for land-linked economies. The WTO’s recent World Trade Report outlines steps countries can take at home to use AI as a driver of trade and growth.
Bruce Gosper, ADB Vice President for Administration and Corporate Management, says the multilateral trading system and regional cooperation work together, not against each other. “Regional initiatives like the CAREC Program can help keep up the momentum for the rules-based open trade system,” he said. Getting Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan into the WTO are priorities under the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda 2030, which ADB backs through technical advice, regional policy talks, and peer learning. Other priorities include trade facilitation, digital connectivity, climate action in trade, and promoting services to help economies diversify.
