世界银行-扩大准入_释放潜力_推进南亚和中亚地区互联互通以促进增长（英）-2025_27页_10mb

Introduction and Background

The Program for Asia Connectivity and Trade (PACT) is a regional trust fund funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) under its Asia Regional Trade and Connectivity Program (ARTCP). It was administered and implemented by the World Bank from 2018 to 2024, with a budget allocation of GBP 21 million, of which 85% was transferred to the World Bank. PACT aimed to advance regional connectivity in South and Central Asia through various initiatives, including transport, energy, and digital infrastructure, to foster economic growth, enhance trade, and promote regional cooperation.

key Objectives and Focus Areas

PACT's primary goals were to unlock regional potential, advance connectivity for growth, and strengthen cross-border collaboration. Key focus areas included:

• Transport and Trade Connectivity: Improving infrastructure and reducing barriers to trade.
• Energy Connectivity: Enhancing renewable energy integration and regional power trade.
• Digital Connectivity: Promoting digital infrastructure, platforms, and services for regional integration.
• Cross-Cutting Priorities: Incorporating climate resilience, women empowerment, and financial inclusion into programs.
  PACT was built on the foundation of its predecessor programs, such as the South Asia Regional Trade Integration Program (SARTIP), and aligned with the World Bank's South Asia Regional Integration, Cooperation, and Engagement (RICE) approach.

Achievements and Impacts

PACT supported numerous projects and initiatives, leveraging over $1.5 billion in World Bank investments to achieve significant regional impacts:

• Transport Infrastructure: Improved corridors, such as the ACCESS program, which digitized trade processes and reduced border wait times, enhancing connectivity in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Energy Connectivity: Advanced regional electricity trade, supporting hydropower projects and cross-border energy markets in South and Central Asia.
• Digital Connectivity: Facilitated cross-border data flows and e-commerce platforms, including studies on submarine cables in Central Asia.
• Policy and Institutional Strengthening: Provided technical analysis and policy recommendations to enhance regional cooperation and address barriers to integration.
  Notable outcomes include increased trade efficiency, economic growth, and reduced disparities in connectivity across the region.

Examples and Case Studies

• In Tajikistan, projects under PACT supported rural development and tourism infrastructure, improved sanitation, and integrated regional energy markets.
• In Bangladesh, cross-border data portals were developed, and initiatives like the Customs and Excise Training Academy promoted inclusive trade participation.
• Sri Lanka benefited from studies on offshore wind energy and cybersecurity frameworks, contributing to renewable energy and digital security.
• Bangladesh's Benapole Land Port improvements reduced delays, showcasing advancements in regional transit.

Cross-Cutting Issues and Challenges

PACT emphasized integrating climate resilience into infrastructure projects and empowering marginalized groups, such as women and youth. Challenges included financial constraints, regulatory barriers, and geopolitical complexities, which were addressed through policy harmonization and capacity-building programs.

Partnerships and Lessons Learned

PACT collaborated with governments, private sector entities, and knowledge platforms like the South Asian Economics Students' Meet (SAESM). Its success was attributed to strategic engagement, technical expertise, and fostering regional dialogue. Key lessons include the importance of multi-sectoral collaborations and adapting to evolving geopolitical landscapes.

Conclusion

PACT demonstrated the World Bank's role in advancing regional connectivity, driving economic prosperity, and building resilient partnerships for South and Central Asia. Its legacy includes policy innovations, infrastructure enhancements, and a foundation for future regional initiatives in the Indo-Pacific context.