BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 16. The Asian Development
Bank (ADB) has launched a new regional technical assistance project
to expand digital integration in the Asia-Pacific region, Trend reports, citing the
ADB.


The initiative, “Cross-Border Opportunities through Regional
Resilience, Infrastructure, Information, and Open Regulation in
Asia and the Pacific (CORRIDOR),” aims to establish regional
digital corridors in several countries, including Azerbaijan.


According to a technical assistance report published by the ADB,
the project will serve as an operational mechanism for the
Asia-Pacific Digital Highway (APDH). The main goal of the
initiative is to provide digital connectivity for 1.5 billion
people by 2035 and create conditions for mobilizing $20 billion in
strategic investments.


In addition to Azerbaijan, the project includes Bangladesh,
China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan,
the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and
Vietnam.


The technical assistance program will promote the development of
digital infrastructure in the region’s countries to accelerate
economic growth, enhance sustainability, and strengthen
competitiveness. One of the project’s main priorities will be the
development of broadband internet networks, data centers, cloud
services, and digital public infrastructure.


In addition, the project aims to develop cross-border digital
services, smart border systems, and digital trade. The goal is
reportedly to improve the efficiency of supply chains, ensure
operational continuity, and accelerate the exchange of information
among countries in the region.


The ADB states that the initiative will also include work in the
areas of implementing artificial intelligence-based systems,
cybersecurity, data management, and harmonizing digital
legislation. The project plans to develop model laws, establish
regulatory “sandbox” mechanisms, and ensure the interoperability of
digital public infrastructure.







The technical assistance program also aims to promote the
integration of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises into the
digital economy and expand access to digital opportunities for
women, youth, and vulnerable groups.


The ADB notes that varying levels of digital development and
infrastructure disparities among countries in the region are among
the main obstacles to regional integration. It emphasizes that the
project aims to bridge these gaps, establish common standards, and
create a secure digital ecosystem.


According to information, the CORRIDOR technical assistance
program will be implemented in three main areas: 1) developing the
architecture and governance mechanisms for regional digital
corridors; 2) developing applications for digital public
infrastructure and artificial intelligence-based solutions; 3)
knowledge sharing and institutional capacity building in the areas
of regional investment and policy coherence.


The project envisages the development of technical and legal
frameworks for cross-border data flows, digital identification
systems, digital payment infrastructure, and verifiable electronic
document management systems.


The ADB believes that investments in fiber-optic lines, data
centers, internet exchange points, and “green” data centers will
also stimulate private sector participation and blended finance
mechanisms in the future.


More detailed information about the report can be found at this
link.