Geographical Proximity and Trade Impacts in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program Region

Abstract

This study explores to what extent reducing delays and costs at border crossing points can facilitate bilateral trade flows among Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program countries. The results indicate that delays at borders significantly hinder trade flows and that the costs incurred are even more restrictive. However, digitization measures such as electronic sanitary and phytosanitary certification help reduce these delays and costs.