Also on rt.com BRICS bank greenlights new projects in India, Russia & South Africa worth $1.4bn The ministers also approved a new CAREC energy strategy for the next 10-year period, which will serve as a roadmap for achieving the region’s goal of a secure energy future. “The energy sector stimulates economic growth in the region, which is why this [declaration] is so important. Today they have strengthened their commitment to working together to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply in the region, develop modern energy markets and use clean energy as a more efficient and sustainable source of energy,” ADB Vice President Divakar Gupta said. Also on rt.com Give or take allies: US pulls $160mn pledged to Afghanistan, citing widespread corruption Since its establishment in 2001, nearly 200 regional projects have been funded under the CAREC program, for a total of US$34.5 billion in the transport, energy, and trade sectors. More than a third of this amount was funded by the ADB. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Accept cookies