Facilitating cross-border trade in Central Asia

Context

The Central Asian countries participate in regional and global trade to a limited extent only.

Most of the countries of Central Asia are in a trade deficit. The lack of competitiveness is due to high trade costs resulting from a landlocked location, limited transport links and complex trade and transit procedures. Furthermore, freight forwarding companies derive little benefit from the transcontinental trade corridors between China and the European market.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical situation, Central Asian governments are striving to establish alternative trade routes across the Caspian Sea and expand trade relations within the region, with the Caucasus countries and with Turkey.

Despite reforms, there is still a lack of successful processes that are coordinated among the countries, especially in terms of digitalisation and trade logistics including changes between means of transport.

Objective

The Central Asian countries have concepts and expertise, particularly in the area of digitalisation, to improve cross-border trade along the regional trade routes.

Approach

The project provides digitalisation training to state and private institutions involved in cross-border trade. Employees learn to align digital solutions with international standards and to enable regional interfaces and data exchange along trade routes.

Trade facilitation measures contribute to faster and more straightforward procedures along regional trade routes and promote dialogue on the cross-border harmonisation of trade processes in the region.

The project trains and advises transport and logistics companies in the Central Asian countries to organise their activities more efficiently and facilitate the movement of goods.

Last update: January 2024