CAREC Program Strengthens Regional Transport and Resilience
ADB regional head Asad Aleem says the 11-country CAREC partnership is helping members improve transport connectivity and disaster preparedness.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Safety
The Asian Development Bank's regional head, Asad Aleem, said the CAREC Program is helping countries strengthen transport connectivity and resilience. CAREC, a partnership of 11 countries established in 1997, has mobilized more than $60 billion in investments since 2001.
Why it matters
Regional cooperation is becoming more important amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and global fragmentation. For readers worldwide, the program illustrates how coordinated investment in transport and trade links is being used to keep goods and essential supplies moving.
The Asian Development Bank reports that CAREC investments since 2001 total more than $60 billion, with roughly $20 billion financed by ADB itself. The source does not break down the investments by country or quantify resilience outcomes.
The players
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
A multilateral development bank headquartered in Manila that finances infrastructure and regional cooperation projects across Asia and the Pacific, and serves as the CAREC Secretariat.
Asad Aleem
The ADB regional head who stated that the CAREC Program is helping countries strengthen transport connectivity and resilience.
CAREC Program
The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation partnership of 11 countries, established in 1997, that coordinates transport, energy, and trade investment across the region.
The details
CAREC investments have financed transport, energy, trade facilitation, and economic corridor development under the CAREC 2030 strategic framework. ADB, which serves as the CAREC Secretariat, says regional initiatives have helped members improve transport links, modernize border crossing points, and strengthen financial preparedness through regional disaster risk financing solutions.
Timeline
1997: The CAREC Program is established.
2001: CAREC begins mobilizing investments that now total more than $60 billion.
Nov. 3, 2026: ADB publishes a video message on CAREC.
Seasonal Patterns
The CAREC 2030 strategic framework sets the program's transport, energy, and trade corridor priorities for its 11 member countries. This update shows those priorities extending into regional disaster risk financing as part of the framework's implementation.
Residents and businesses in CAREC member countries may see improved transport links and border crossings as regional corridors are developed. The source does not describe specific emergency routes or protective steps for individuals.
The takeaway
Regional infrastructure and disaster risk financing are increasingly treated as linked tools for keeping economies connected during shocks. Watching how cumulative investment translates into measurable resilience will show whether the approach delivers.
Further reading
For related coverage of preparedness and response, see Safety.
