Economic Gains from Deepening Nexus Between South Asia and Central Asia: Expectations and Needed Interventions
摘要
Over the past decade, economic ties between South Asia and Central Asia have strengthened; however, full integration remains limited. This study highlights the importance of innovative strategies in fostering regional integration to enhance economic linkages. The chapter explores various innovative approaches to revitalising economic relations and boosting trade between South Asia and Central Asia. It examines evolving patterns in trade, investment, and migration while identifying key obstacles that hinder connectivity. This study delves into less-explored areas, particularly the advantages of strengthening economic ties in CASA, and supports the integration with Southeast Asia, thereby promoting digitalisation and environmental sustainability. Moreover, improved market access in Central Asia would provide essential diversification opportunities for CASA exports. These challenges are particularly critical for South Asia, which remains the least integrated region, with intra-regional trade at just 5.6%. The findings suggest that a regional integration strategy encompassing tariff liberalisation, relaxation of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), improving trade facilitation measures, and increased FDI could boost GDP by 0.7 to 11.7% in South Asia and by 0.3 to 3.7% in Central Asia. Furthermore, reforms aimed at improvising interregional integration and multilateral partnerships, the economic benefits in terms of GDP will increase by 7.6% in South Asia and 5.7% in Central Asia. Furthermore, the study assesses the potential benefits of overcoming these barriers and provides recommendations to improve regional integration.