Regional connectivity and economic cooperation have been central to Asia's growth and integration for decades.

This session will reflect on the evolution of key regional cooperation platforms—Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC), Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), and South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation SASEC)—examining their achievements, challenges, and lasting impacts on transport connectivity and trade facilitation. 

The session will assess how these programs are adapting to a rapidly changing context shaped by evolving infrastructure needs, development of logistics hubs, trade regulations, digitalization, climate risks, and geopolitical dynamics. It will highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen multimodal transport corridors, improve cross-border coordination, and enhance resilience of regional supply chains.

The session will explore future directions for regional connectivity across the three major cooperation frameworks supported by ADB, identify priorities to deepen cooperation, foster innovation, and ensure more inclusive and sustainable development.

By the end of the session, participants will:

1. Identify key lessons from past regional cooperation frameworks.
2. Gain practical insights on resilient and connected transport systems.
3. Explore directions for future ADB-supported regional initiatives.