ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 20. In 2024, Kazakhstan emerged as a digital trade leader in Central Asia, with digitally delivered services reaching $7.91 billion.
Data obtained by Trend from the World Trade Organization's database on digital services shows that this is one of the highest figures among the countries participating in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program, second only to Pakistan ($7.93 billion) and ahead of Azerbaijan ($6.64 billion) .
Nevertheless, even these figures significantly lag behind the levels seen in ASEAN countries, where, for example, digital trade in Malaysia reached $39 billion, and in Thailand, over $50 billion.
Other CAREC members, including Uzbekistan ($2.08 billion), Kyrgyzstan ($3.48 billion), Turkmenistan ($3.21 billion), and Tajikistan ($216 million), have lower but steadily growing digital trade volumes.
Amid rapid changes in the global economy, digitalization and regional cooperation are becoming key factors for sustainable growth. Intra-regional trade among CAREC countries (excluding China) accounts for only 7 percent of total trade volume. In comparison, this figure reached 24 percent in ASEAN in 2023. This lag is attributed to fragmented logistics, inconsistent regulation, limited digital infrastructure, and weak interstate coordination.
At the 5th Annual CAREC Research Conference, held on May 29 - 30, 2025, experts identified key barriers to the development of digital trade: a lack of internet exchange points, absence of regional data centers, underdeveloped electronic transaction systems, and weak protection of personal data and consumer rights.
While Kazakhstan is advancing digital solutions at the national level - including the implementation of an electronic single window and automation of customs processes - regional coordination is lacking. Additionally, Kazakhstan has yet to ratify the UNESCAP Framework Agreement on Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, which aims to simplify and accelerate cross-border digital trade.
If Kazakhstan takes a proactive approach to digital integration - by modernizing legislation, participating in international agreements, and strengthening infrastructure - it could become not just a participant, but a leader in the transformation of trade within CAREC. The country has the opportunity to take a central role in forming a digital corridor between Europe and Asia, fostering economic growth not only for itself but for the entire region.
The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program is an initiative by the Asian Development Bank aimed at promoting economic growth and regional integration in Central Asia. It includes 11 countries - among them Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan - and six international partner organizations. The program focuses on developing transportation, trade, energy, and resilience.
