STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BORDER LAND PORT AUTHORITY FOR CENTRAL ASIAN REGIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION (CAREC) MEMBER COUNTRIES

Abstract

Trade facilitation is pivotal to economic development, social uplift, and strong trade-ties among countries in consonance with CAREC vision 2030, and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by UNO. The CAREC-RIBS (Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation – Regions Improving Border Services) project is specifically designed to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural collaboration among its 11 member countries. Despite involvement of numerous ministries/departments/agencies in trade facilitation and border management, key issues are not given due diligence in evolution and implementation. The present study aims to explore the need and viability of establishing a border land port agency/authority in each CAREC member country on the model of Pakistan as a custodian of trade facilitation (TF). In depth semi-structured interviews with 25 highly knowledgeable respondents revealed that the current arrangements in each CAREC member country are inadequate for TF and there is requirement to establish a dedicated agency/authority with sufficient executive, policy making, and implementation power.