CAREC Institute
CAREC Institute is a Urumqi-headquartered intergovernmental think tank serving 11 Central Asian and CAREC member countries with applied research, policy dialogue, and free e-learning capacity building across trade, transport, energy, climate, and digital connectivity.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersÜrümqi, China
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What CAREC Institute does
CAREC Institute is an intergovernmental knowledge and capacity-building organization established in 2015 as the research arm of the CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) Program. Headquartered at 376 Nanchang Road in Urumqi, Xinjiang, PRC, it serves ministries, central banks, think tanks, and development practitioners across 11 CAREC member countries: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the People's Republic of China. Its substantive work spans policy analysis, applied research, and convening on trade, transport corridors, energy, digital connectivity, climate, and human capital, delivered through the annual CAREC Think Tank Development Forum (held since 2016) and the newly inaugurated Tianshan Forum (launched December 2025), supplemented by CAREC Dialogue Series, Chai Series, and Expert Views programming. The Institute maintains a CAREC Think Tank Network (CTTN) connecting national research institutions across the region, and supports these activities through member-country contributions and grants from development partners led by the Asian Development Bank.
The Institute's core product is a digital learning and convening platform at elearning.carecinstitute.org, built on standard web content infrastructure, which delivers workshops, roundtables, research conferences, online courses, expert interviews, professional primers, surveys, and a certificate verification portal. The platform is offered on a freemium basis: all learning content is free, while certificates of completion are issued upon quiz passage and verified through a dedicated portal. Distribution is anchored by physical convening events in rotating CAREC capitals, partner co-organization with multilateral development banks (ADB, AIIB, NDB, IsDB, EFSD) and Chinese policy banks, and UN bodies (UNDP, UN ESCAP, IFAD), plus strategic engagement with technology partners such as iFLYTEK.
The Institute's revenue model is grant-based rather than commercial. Funding flows are sourced from CAREC member-state contributions and earmarked development partner support (primarily ADB), and there is no public revenue disclosure, no paid product tier, and no equity ownership. Sub-brands (Tianshan Forum, CAREC Think Tank Development Forum, CAREC Dialogue Series, CAREC Chai Series) reinforce brand differentiation within the regional cooperation ecosystem.
CAREC Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CAREC Institute
- Legal name
- CAREC Institute
- Website
- https://carecinstitute.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CAREC Institute is a Urumqi-headquartered intergovernmental think tank serving 11 Central Asian and CAREC member countries with applied research, policy dialogue, and free e-learning capacity building across trade, transport, energy, climate, and digital connectivity.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CAREC Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Policy Research and Capacity Building Services
- NAICS
- Other Management Consulting Services (541618), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)
- SIC
- Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), International Affairs (9721)
- akta.pro primary industry
- United Nations System & Specialized Agencies (BPADAAAA)
Keywords
Where CAREC Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ürümqi
- HQ country
- China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
CAREC Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- E-Learning and Knowledge Services: Free access to e-learning materials and online courses for visitors. Certificates issued for workshop completion upon passing quizzes. The institute functions as an intergovernmental organization contributing to the CAREC Program through knowledge generation and capacity building.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free access to all learning materials |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
CAREC Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CAREC Institute serves as the knowledge arm of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, delivering policy research, capacity building, and knowledge services across 11 CAREC member countries. It operates an e-learning platform providing free access to workshops, roundtables, research conferences, dialogue series, and online courses, while organizing flagship forums (Tianshan Forum, CAREC Think Tank Development Forum) that convene governments, think tanks, development partners, and the private sector for policy dialogue on trade, transport, energy, digital connectivity, and sustainable development.
Product overview
CAREC Institute operates a unified e-learning platform that serves as the knowledge arm of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program. The platform offers multiple integrated learning modules including Digital Learning content (Workshops, Roundtables, Research Conferences, Forums, CAREC Chai Series, CAREC Dialogue Series, Online Courses), Expert Views (Interviews, Professional Primers), Survey & Poll tools, and Certificate Verification. The institute also organizes flagship events including the annual Tianshan Forum (launched 2025) and the CAREC Think Tank Development Forum (annual since 2016), which serve as platforms for policy dialogue and regional cooperation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Tianshan Forum: Flagship platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and regional cooperation advancing integration and sustainable development across the CAREC region.
- CAREC Think Tank Development Forum
- CAREC Dialogue Series
- CAREC Chai Series
Products and services
- CAREC Institute E-Learning Platform An online platform hosted at elearning.carecinstitute.org providing free access to recordings of institutional activities, educational materials, and capacity building content for government officials, academics, and professionals across CAREC member countries.
- Tianshan Forum An annual flagship forum and policy dialogue platform organized by CAREC Institute, held at its headquarters in Urumqi, China, to convene government decision-makers, development partners, business leaders, and thought leaders for knowledge sharing on regional integration, connectivity, and investment in Central Asia.
- CAREC Think Tank Development Forum (CTTDF) An annual forum organized under the auspices of the CAREC Think Tank Network (CTTN), bringing together think tanks, multilateral development partners, government agencies, banking sector, and media from CAREC member countries to exchange views on policy challenges such as green finance, climate change, and digital transformation.
- CAREC Think Tank Network (CTTN) A knowledge-sharing network connecting national think tanks and research institutions from CAREC member countries to facilitate joint research, collaborative studies, and policy recommendations on regional cooperation, green finance, climate change, and sustainable development.
Quantifiable outcome
- The Tianshan Forum 2025 gathered 380+ participants for discussions on connectivity and investment
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use CAREC Institute
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
CAREC Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
CAREC Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Asian Development BankcoreADB serves as Strategic Partner for the Tianshan Forum, supporting regional cooperation and development initiatives in the CAREC region through knowledge sharing and capacity building programs.
- People's Government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous RegioncoreCo-organizer of the Tianshan Forum, providing local support and hosting the event at CAREC Institute headquarters in Urumqi.
- ADB-PRC Regional Knowledge Sharing InitiativecoreCo-sponsor of the Ninth CAREC Think Tank Development Forum, supporting knowledge sharing and regional cooperation activities.
- Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and DevelopmentmajorSponsor and supporter of the CAREC Think Tank Development Forum, contributing to green financing and sustainable development research.
- Asian Infrastructure Investment BankmajorSupport partner for the CTTDF forum, engaging in discussions on green finance and infrastructure development in the CAREC region.
- Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)coreCollaborated with CAREC Institute to host Policy Dialogue on Renewable Energy Investment Ecosystem, presenting a comprehensive framework with 15 key indicators for renewable energy investments.
- ICDT (Islamic Cooperation) Development FinancecoreCo-hosted the Renewable Energy Investment Ecosystem Policy Dialogue with CAREC Institute, focusing on investment promotion programs for Central Asia.
- ADB InstitutemajorSupport partner for think tank development forum, contributing expertise on development economics and regional cooperation research.
- International Road Transport Union (IRU)majorSupport partner for transport corridor discussions, providing expertise on international road transport and logistics connectivity.
- Global SDGs and Leadership Development CentermajorSupport partner contributing to sustainable development and leadership capacity building discussions at forum events.
- United Nations ESCAPmajorUN body contributing expertise on financing energy transition and sustainable development to CAREC Think Tank Forum.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)majorUNDP representative engaged in human development and regional cooperation discussions at forum events.
- International Monetary Fund Regional Capacity Development CentermajorIMF center contributes to capacity building discussions on development financing and climate resilience in the CAREC region.
- iFLYTEKminorTechnology partner supporting forum activities with expertise in AI and digital solutions for regional development.
- Association of Chartered Certified AccountantsminorProfessional accounting body contributing expertise on green finance compliance and sustainable reporting standards.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
CAREC Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): China-led multilateral development bank with many overlapping CAREC member shareholders and infrastructure focus. Comparable as a major development partner and event sponsor for the institute, with overlapping remit in Central Asia connectivity financing.
- UN ESCAP Subregional Office for North and Central Asia: United Nations body promoting regional economic cooperation and connectivity across North and Central Asia. Comparable as a UN-affiliated convener and knowledge provider serving overlapping member-country audiences.
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): China- and Russia-led intergovernmental organization covering most CAREC states plus India and Russia. Comparable as a higher-profile intergovernmental body whose regional cooperation remit overlaps with CAREC's economic integration agenda.
Direct peers
- ADB Institute (ADBI): Tokyo-based knowledge and research arm of the Asian Development Bank, providing policy research, capacity building, and training for Asia-Pacific. Most directly comparable peer given the CAREC Institute's role as the knowledge arm of the CAREC Program under ADB.
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA): Intergovernmental research organization supporting ASEAN economic integration through policy research and capacity building. Comparable as a regional IGO-style knowledge institution that convenes member-country researchers and officials around integration and connectivity.
- OSCE Academy in Bishkek: OSCE-affiliated graduate study and research institution in Bishkek focused on Central Asia security, policy, and economic cooperation issues. Comparable as a regionally embedded intergovernmental knowledge and capacity-building institution serving overlapping Central Asian audiences.
- Eurasian Economic Commission: Regulatory body of the Eurasian Economic Union coordinating economic integration among several CIS states including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic. Comparable as an intergovernmental organization advancing regional economic integration through research, policy advice, and convening across Central Asian economies.
Others
- World Bank Group:
- IMF Regional Capacity Development Center (RCDC): IMF-affiliated center delivering capacity building in macroeconomics, statistics, and finance to officials from CIS and Central Asian countries. Comparable as a capacity-building counterpart for government officials in the CAREC region and an active partner at institute forums.
Emerging players
- International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD): Independent policy research institute working on sustainable development, trade, and investment policy with active programming in Central Asia. Comparable as a thematic (green finance, sustainable development) knowledge partner that participates in CAREC Institute events and shares the policy-research-and-convening model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
CAREC Institute social profiles
Digital presenceCAREC Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CAREC Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
CAREC Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CAREC Institute M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CAREC Institute
What does CAREC Institute do?
CAREC Institute serves as the knowledge arm of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, delivering policy research, capacity building, and knowledge services across 11 CAREC member countries. It operates an e-learning platform providing free access to workshops, roundtables, research conferences, dialogue series, and online courses, while organizing flagship forums (Tianshan Forum, CAREC Think Tank Development Forum) that convene governments, think tanks, development partners, and the private sector for policy dialogue on trade, transport, energy, digital connectivity, and sustainable development.
Is CAREC Institute a public or private company?
CAREC Institute is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was CAREC Institute founded?
CAREC Institute was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is CAREC Institute based?
CAREC Institute is headquartered in Ürümqi, China, in the Asia region.
How does CAREC Institute make money?
One revenue line is on record: E-Learning and Knowledge Services.
Who are CAREC Institute's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), UN ESCAP Subregional Office for North and Central Asia and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Direct peers are ADB Institute (ADBI), Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), OSCE Academy in Bishkek and Eurasian Economic Commission. Others are World Bank Group and IMF Regional Capacity Development Center (RCDC). International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is listed as an emerging player.
Does CAREC Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for CAREC Institute.
What industry is CAREC Institute in?
CAREC Institute's product category is Policy Research and Capacity Building Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAAAA, United Nations System & Specialized Agencies. Its NAICS code is 541618 and its SIC code is 8742.