The central goal of the CAREC Programme is development through cooperation, with the objectives of increased economic growth and poverty reduction, expanded and diversified trade, and strengthened capacity for regional cooperation and integration.

The TPSAP builds upon these goals and proposes concrete policy actions intended to increase trade openness to stimulate stronger growth and development; achieve WTO membership for all CAREC countries by the end of 2013; and support capacity building in the area of trade and trade policy.

“Adoption of this Action Plan is clear evidence of CAREC countries’ strong desire to expand intra- and inter-regional trade and promote sustainable economic growth,” said Sena Eken, Assistant Director in the Middle East and Central Asia Department of the International Monetary Fund and chair of CAREC’s trade policy committee.

The plan was agreed at the 7th Ministerial Conference on Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation, which was attended by Senior Officials and Ministers from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Representatives from six multilateral institutions supporting the CAREC Programme also participated, namely Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction Development, International Monetary Fund, Islamic Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme, and World Bank.

The strategic approach of the Action Plan is based on principles of pragmatism and results, which recognize the different circumstances and national priorities of CAREC participating countries.

Under this approach, ownership is underscored by each government agreeing to strive to achieve significant measurable results within a reasonable time frame. CAREC countries consider it essential to have a framework that is results-oriented and establishes benchmarks for monitoring. The TPSAP includes concrete actions that are meaningful and monitorable using realistic progress benchmarks. Policy actions relate to WTO accession, elimination of quantitative trade restrictions, trade tax reductions and simplification, capacity building and knowledge transfer, and reduction of barriers to transit and border trade.

Effective and timely implementation of the TPSAP starting in 2009 will require the commitment of all participating countries and the multilateral institutions.