The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $400 million in regional financing to modernize border crossing points across the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) region, including Pakistan, with the aim of improving trade and transport connectivity.
The financing will be provided under the bank’s BUILD programme and will support the modernisation of road and rail border crossing points across CAREC’s 11 member countries. The programme will focus on upgrading infrastructure, introducing digital systems and installing advanced inspection and screening equipment.
According to the ADB, the upgrades are expected to reduce border-crossing times and lower transportation and logistics costs, making the movement of people and goods more efficient.
The programme is also aimed at boosting regional trade, strengthening economic corridors and improving access to new markets. It is expected to support greater participation of small and medium-sized businesses in cross-border trade.
The CAREC programme includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
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