AKIPRESS.COM - Ministers from Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan endorsed new long-term strategies to promote digitalization and strengthen health systems through regional cooperation at the 20th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Ministerial Conference themed “Connectivity, Cooperation, and Resilience in a Digital Era”. 

The CAREC Digital Strategy 2030 will encourage investments in digital infrastructure in the region where about half of the population remains without internet access. The strategy aims to develop digital skills to create jobs, including for women and vulnerable populations, expand business opportunities particularly in e-commerce, and create interoperable digital platforms.

The CAREC Health Strategy 2030 aims to improve member countries’ capacity to respond to public health threats through effective surveillance systems and ensuring that sufficient laboratory infrastructure is in place. It seeks to establish reliable regulatory and procurement mechanisms to ensure sufficient medical supplies are available to meet surges in demand. It also outlines actions to improve health services for migrants, border communities, and vulnerable groups.

Hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan, the conference was co-chaired by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen. Ministers and senior officials from CAREC member countries attended the event, as well as representatives from development partners.

In a joint statement, the ministers commended the CAREC Program for adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and noted the progress in strengthening economic resilience in the region, improving the investment climate, and facilitating trade, among other priority areas.