CAREC Trade Representatives Convene in Bishkek to Discuss CARTIF Agreement under CITA 2030
On 12 June, trade representatives from across the CAREC region gathered in Bishkek for a pivotal workshop organized by ADB on the CAREC Program Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARTIF) – a landmark initiative under the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda (CITA) 2030.
The workshop aimed to review and discuss the draft text of CARTIF, which is being developed by international experts under the team leader, Mikheil Janelidze, Senior Consultant of PMCG. The Team Leader, in addition to the development of the concept of the agreement and drafting the general and institutional framework, has been providing strategic direction, offering substantive feedback, and consolidating inputs from international experts to ensure coherence and alignment with CARTIF’s overarching objectives. The workshop also served as a forum for countries to share their respective review processes in preparation for potential participation in CARTIF.
Key Objectives and Strategic Role of the CARTIF Agreement
CARTIF is designed to:
- Boost regional competitiveness
- Facilitate trade in goods and services
- Spur cross-border investments
- Enable economic diversification across CAREC countries
With a flexible, modular structure, CARTIF promotes inclusive, voluntary, and consensus-based cooperation, aligning with each country’s unique capacities and priorities.
The workshop provided a valuable platform for member countries to discuss the CARTIF protocols in detail, contribute to the agreement text, and chart a course toward high-level political endorsement.
