The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering a new regional initiative to modernize border checkpoints across Central Asia and neighboring countries - with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan among the key participants.

The project - titled Developing New Generation Border Crossing Points - will be implemented under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC), The Caspian Post reports via ADB.

$1 Million in Technical Assistance Funding

The initiative is expected to receive $1 million in financing through a special technical assistance fund. The project aims to help CAREC member states design and implement next-generation border crossing points, focusing on climate resilience and innovative technologies.

Alongside Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, participating countries include Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Faster Trade, Stronger Regional Links

The program will prepare several priority border crossing projects, including feasibility studies and comprehensive assessments. It also envisions a new framework for project preparation and execution, as well as capacity-building measures to strengthen countries’ expertise in developing and managing modern checkpoints.

If implemented, the initiative is expected to significantly improve border infrastructure and procedures, reducing trade time and costs along the CAREC transport corridors. Upgraded crossing points could become a key driver of smoother cargo movement and deeper regional economic cooperation.