On October 18, a meeting of national coordinators of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) was held via videoconference, bringing together more than 100 participants from 10 countries, including authorized representatives of the Asian Development Bank. Turkmenistan was represented by the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the national coordinator of the CAREC program, as well as a number of other ministries and departments of the country.

During the meeting, a constructive exchange of views was held on key areas of CAREC activity, including the development of tourism, logistics, the creation of new transport corridors, climate change, etc. Information was presented on the progress of implementation of the CAREC strategy, including the work program for the current year 2023. The participants also discussed the progress of preparations for the 22nd Ministerial Conference, which will be on November 30 in Tbilisi (Georgia).

One of the central items on the agenda was the Asian Development Bank's financial support for the CAREC tourism development program. Participant of the online meeting - CAREC tourism coordinator, deputy head of the tourism department of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan Gulshat Bakyyeva informed the Turkmenportal website about the details of the discussion of this topic.

As noted, the topic of developing the tourism potential of the region was raised in the report of the CAREC Chairman, which was accompanied by a video about the Great Silk Road tourism web portal.

It was emphasized that this Internet resource will permit the development of new tourist destinations and the promotion of new tourist routes in the CAREC region. The meeting participants shared their views and recommendations regarding the impact of climate change on the CAREC tourism sector and measures that need to be taken in this direction.

Let us remind that the CAREC project in the field of tourism is financed by the Asian Development Bank, its completion is planned until 2024. At present time, issues of tourism development until 2030 are being considered.