CAREC countries negotiating trade facilitation agreement

DUSHANBE. May 8 (Interfax) - Representatives of the member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program have held preliminary negotiations on the draft agreement on the CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF), the Tajik Economic Development and Trade Ministry said.

The negotiations, held in a virtual format, were attended by Deputy Tajik Economic Development and Trade Minister Akhliddin Nuriddinzoda.

CARTIF envisages the creation of a comprehensive and transparent regional cooperation mechanism to facilitate cross-border trade and investment among CAREC countries. The document also aims to develop digital technologies, logistics and the innovation economy in order to ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial trade in the region.

Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue consultations and hold further rounds of negotiations to agree on the draft agreement.

On November 20, 2025, the CAREC countries adopted the Bishkek Ministerial Declaration, which officially launched the negotiations on CARTIF that were due to begin in H1 2026.