Serikbol Koshmaganbetov Geopolitical turbulence in the world is radically changing the infrastructure of transport flows in Central Asia. Asian countries are eager to send their cargo to Europe via the historic Great Silk Road. What is the current development of cargo transportation logistics in Central Asian countries, read the material of the correspondent of Kazinform […]
A Dialogue on “Central Asian Connectivity Project Pipeline” between IsDB-AIIB-MCDF and Regional Countries
On 11-12 March 2024, the Regional Dialogue on Central Asian Connectivity (CAC) Project Pipeline has convened in Istanbul, Turkiye, to facilitate a stakeholder dialogue aimed at identifying and assessing cross-border connectivity projects in Central Asia. Organized jointly by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Multilateral Cooperation Center for […]
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed cooperation in the transport sector
On 27 February 2024, the Afghanistan delegation headed by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Mammetkhan Chakiyev, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, as part of a working visit to Turkmenistan, the Afghan Foreign Ministry reports. The meeting explored the prospects of expanding […]
The Central Asia link
Anton Usov At the Second European Union (EU)-Central Asia Economic Forum at the end of May 2023, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) presented a study on sustainable transport connections between Central Asia and Europe. Funded by the European Commission, the study identified country-specific needs and measures to reduce transportation costs, increase operational […]
Experts Discuss Boosting Central Asian Exports through Turkmenbashi Port: Infrastructure, Services, and Partnerships Highlighted
Transport industry experts and representatives from regional associations in Central Asia convened virtually on 14 February 2024 to discuss the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as a key transit hub for exports from the region. Organized by the USAID Trade Program in Central Asia, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport […]
Global Gateway: EU and Central Asian countries agree on building blocks to develop the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor
During the two-day Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, the European Union, Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and other gathered partners from across the world have made important steps to start the development of the fast route Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor linking Europe and Central Asia within 15 days. During yesterday’s […]
EIB Global to Support Sustainable Transport in Central Asia with Co-financing of €1.47 Billion
EIB Global, the European Union’s bank for long-term investments outside the EU, has signed memorandums of understanding for project co-financing with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan for a total of €1.47 billion, the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan reports. This significant commitment was announced at the EU-Central Asia Investors Forum […]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and international financial institutions present at the […]
Xinjiang’s Trade grows with Central Asia, Becoming its Largest Market
Urumqi customs data shows Central Asia as the largest trading partner for China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). In 2023, trade turnover surged by 50%, accounting for a remarkable 79.4% of XUAR’s total foreign trade volume, Xinhua reports. Trade with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, XUAR’s top three partners, increased by 70.8%, 25.8%, and 93.4%, respectively. […]
Uzbekistan offers China to join corridor linking Central Asia and Türkiye
Uzbekistan has offered China access to a crucial transport corridor linking Central Asia with Türkiye. During last week meeting in Beijing, Uzbekistan Railways chairman Zufar Narzullayev proposed including Chinese State Railways in the protocol governing the corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye. He also suggested collaborating to boost the corridor’s capacity. The talks further explored rail freight options between China and […]
Turkmenistan Joins Regional Efforts to Expand Trans-Caspian Trade Route
Representatives from Turkmenistan, alongside officials from other Central Asian nations and international organizations, gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25-26 January 2024, for the third meeting on expanding the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR). The Turkmen Logistics Association, Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), and several transport and logistics companies actively participated in the discussions. The […]
Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity – 29 and 30 January 2024
The European Commission invites you to the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity; Taking place on 29 and 30 January 2024 in Brussels, the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity will bring together high-level representatives from Central Asian countries, EU Member States, partner countries along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, EU Institutions, international and bilateral […]
Turkmenistan Drives Regional Connections with Growing Container Traffic
In January-December 2023, 52 container trains passed through the territory of Turkmenistan in the directions Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia and Russia-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran, reports JSC Demiryollary (Turkmen state-run company, passenger and cargo carrier of the Turkmen railway network). In 2023, 10,799 container shipments were carried out from the territory of Turkmenistan, including 5,614 transit, 2,316 export and 2,869 import container […]
Margaritis Schinas – Europe is in long-term commitment with Central Asia
Vice President of EC completes his Central Asia visit with last stop in Turkmenistan Margaritis Schinas, the Vice President of the European Commission (EC) completed his tour of the five Central Asian countries with the last stop in Turkmenistan on 17 January 2023. In Turkmenistan, he had several meetings including with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and […]
Brussels to host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity
Brussels will host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity on 29-30 January 2024, European Commission reports. The Global Gateway Transport Investors Forum takes forward the conclusions of the EU-commissioned Study on Sustainable Transport Corridors between the EU and Central Asia, and aims to translate the political commitments of the EU and the five countries […]
Turkmenistan’s initiated United Nations General Assembly resolutions on transport and energy connectivity have been officially published in six languages
In December 2023, the UN General Assembly approved two resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan – on transport and energy. Resolutions entitled “Strengthening the links between all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” and “The pivotal role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in driving sustainable development” have now been officially published in six […]
Istanbul meeting paves the way for the development of the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye multimodal transport corridor
The first meeting of the railway administrations of the participating countries of the multimodal transport corridor Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Türkiye was held in Istanbul, where important issues related to the development of this transport route were discussed, the Information and Analytical Media Center of Uzbekistan Temir Yullari (Uzbek Railways) reports. The key […]
Construction of a new bridge continues over the Caspian Strait of Garabogaz
The construction of the Garabogaz Strait Bridge, a vital artery poised to reshape regional connectivity, is underway in Turkmenistan. Since its launch in August 2022, the project, awarded to Ukrainian highway construction company Altcom, has steadily progressed, promising to usher in a new era of trade and transport efficiency by June 2024. This modern bridge […]
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan Establish Joint Committee to Enhance Railway Cooperation
On 1 December 2023, a delegation from Afghanistan led by Bakht Rahman Sharafat, Director General of the Afghanistan Railway Administration, met with Azat Atamyradov, Head of the Turkmendemiryollary Agency (Turkmen Railways). According to the Afghanistan Railway Authority’s press service, the meeting focused on in-depth discussions regarding bilateral cooperation in the railway sector. Expressing gratitude for […]
Kazakhstan launches new railway project, improving regional connectivity and boosting trade
On Monday, 27 November, Kazakhstan started construction of a new railway line that will connect the southernmost regions of Kazakhstan with the rest of the country and improve transport connectivity with neighboring Uzbekistan. The project is expected to be completed in 2025. The 152 km long Darbaza – Maktaaral railway line will allow to reorient […]
Kazakhstan Becomes Largest Transit Hub Between China and Europe
About 85% of all land transit traffic from China to Europe passes through Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov said at the official opening ceremony of the 6th China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 5 November 2023. Kazakhstan plays a strategic role as a regional transport and logistics hub, connecting the Eurasian continent with the […]
New ECO Transport Corridor through Turkmenistan to forge connectivity between Asia with Europe
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Türkiye have signed a protocol on the formation of an international multimodal corridor between Asia and Europe via the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye route, Uzbekistan’s transport ministry reports. The document was signed within the framework of the 12th meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the Economic Cooperation Organization, which was held in Tashkent […]
Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to Develop Transport Corridor Through Turkmenistan
Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan intend to develop the international multimodal transport corridor “Russia – Caspian Sea – Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan”. The relevant memorandum was signed on 1 November 2023, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, at the Transport Forum of the SCO member states between the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Ikhlom Makhkamov, Deputy Minister of […]
Freight Volumes from China to Europe on the Middle Corridor Surge by Over 80%, says IRU
From January to August 2023, freight volumes from China to Europe along the Middle Corridor increased by over 80% compared to the same period last year. All signs point to more goods moving through the Middle Corridor in the years to come. This was stated by IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto at the 4th […]
The C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial in Samarkand issued a Joint Statement
On October 24, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power and Ministers from the Republic of Uzbekistan, Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan under the auspices of the C5+1 regional diplomatic platform. During the C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial, co-hosted by USAID and the […]
Southern corridor connecting China to Europe via Turkmenistan, Iran and Turkey has great potential, says IRU Secretary General
IRU’s Secretary General held high-level talks with Mohammad Rezvanifar, President of the Iranian Customs Administration, in Geneva on how to further enhance transport and transit in Iran. Both sides discussed the latest developments in international logistics chain, particularly given Iran’s pivotal geographical position and its active role in the Economic Cooperation Organization region, which makes […]
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Türkiye discuss international transport corridor
On Friday, 13 October 2023, transport departments and representatives of the railway sector of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Türkiye and Uzbekistan held an online meeting, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan reports. Issues aimed at accelerating the processes related to the signing of the agreement on the creation of the international transport corridor “China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye-Europe” were discussed […]
Railway can drive Central Asia’s development faster
Djoomart Otorbaev The Belt and Road Initiative has built remarkably efficient railways connecting China and Europe via Central Asia. These rail routes did not exist even a decade ago. Within a short period, they have boosted local and national economies thanks to their solid infrastructure, smooth operation and socioeconomic impacts. Between January and August in […]
Round Table explores TRACECA’s Role in Integrating Turkmenistan’s Transport System into Global Network
Turkmenistan has recently joined the Basic Multilateral Agreement on International Transport for the Development of the Europe–Caucasus–Asia Corridor, which is the foundation legal instrument for the TRACECA corridor. The editorial office of the newspaper “Neutral Turkmenistan” held a round table with the Association “Turkmen Logistics” to discuss the importance of the Europe–Caucasus–Asia (TRACECA) transport corridor […]
Joint Declaration by Heads of State of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany – The Leaders of Germany and the five Central Asian States agreed to establish a Strategic Regional Partnership
The text of the Joint Statement adopted following the meeting of the heads of Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) with the Federal Chancellor of Germany is published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany. Here is the full text of the Statement: On 29 September 2023, Federal Chancellor Olaf […]
Turkmenistan: Development of Transport and Communication System in the Years of Independence
The transport and communication complex has become one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the Turkmenistan’s economy. The country is actively integrating into the growing network of transport connections in the region and Eurasia. Mammetkhan Chakyev, General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers, writes about this in his […]
Turkmenistan to Actively Contribute to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Turkmenistan is ready to actively contribute to the implementation of major transport initiatives, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This follows from the presentation of the Turkmen delegation at the 1st meeting of Transport Ministers of Central Asia and China, held at the Global Forum on Sustainable Transport in Beijing. According to the Agency […]
Tajikistan hosted inaugural meeting of the High–level Working Group on the Multimodal corridor “Tajikistan–Uzbekistan– Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye” – China joined the event
On 21 September 2023, the first meeting of the High–level Working Group on the Multimodal Corridor “Tajikistan –Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan–Iran-Türkiye” (TUTIT) + China was held in Dushanbe under the auspices of the ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization). As previously reported, in accordance with the recommendation of the “Ankara Declaration” adopted by the 11th Meeting of ECO […]
Foreign Ministers of Central Asia ‘Check the Clock’ on Regional and International Issues
On 13 September 2023, a meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin, the MFA of Tajikistan reports. The meeting was attended by: • Turkmenistan – Rashid Meredov • Kazakhstan – Murat Nurtleu • Kyrgyzstan – Jeenbek Kulubayev […]
DUSHANBE COMMUNIQUE of the First Meeting of Transport Ministers of Central Asian States
(Unofficial translation) On Wednesday, 13 September, within the framework of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, the First Meeting of transport ministers of Central Asian states took place, following which the Dushanbe Communique was adopted. The full text of the document follows. Heads of ministries and departments of Central Asian […]
Transport Ministers of Central Asian States Adopt Joint Communiqué at Dushanbe meeting, Approve Draft Agreement on Land Transport
The Central Asian countries highlighted the important role of transport and logistics as a basis for promoting international trade, economic growth and sustainable development. This is stated in the Joint Communique adopted today (13 Sep) following the First Meeting of transport ministers of the countries of the region, which took place in Dushanbe, the Ministry […]
Global Times: BRI’s emphasis on environmentally friendly practices has benefited Central Asia countries
An aerial view of China built Turgusun hydropower station in city of Altai, Kazakhstan. Photo: Xinhua For ten years, China and Central Asian countries have been more tightly bonded together through cooperation in the traditional energy section under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, the rise of Chinese companies specializing in renewable energy and […]
Turkmenistan may become a transit corridor for Uzbekistan to transport goods to Russia
Russia and Uzbekistan are exploring the possibility of organizing export-import cargo transportation along the multimodal route Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Caspian Sea–Russia and back. This was discussed at the meeting of the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Makhkamov with the State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation D. Zverev. Issues of bilateral cooperation in […]
China and Central Asia Strengthen Ties at the Cooperation Forum in Xiamen
The 10th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum opened on Saturday in Xiamen, Fujian Province, eastern China. The two-day forum is organized by the SCO Committee on Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation and the People’s Government of Fujian Province and is dedicated to promoting friendly relations and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, Xinhua reports. Chinese President Xi Jinping […]
New TIR trade route opens connecting China to Pakistan and Afghanistan
IRU member CEVA Logistics and Pakistani transport company NLC completed the first operation along this new TIR route, linking Kashgar, China, to Pakistan by door-to-door road transport for the first time. NLC also extended this route to Kabul, Afghanistan. Using the global transit system TIR, three National Logistics Cell (NLC) trucks departed from China’s inland […]
Pakistan and Turkmenistan agree to forge connectivity and trade cooperation
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Atajan Movlamov had a meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production of Pakistan Dr. Gohar Ejaz in Islamabad on 7 Sep. According to the message of the Ministry of Commerce in social nets, trade routes and rail links, gas pipelines and transit trade took center stage in discussions. […]
China’s provinces build up trade and economic relations with Uzbekistan
Another train set off last week from China to the Central Asian region, demonstrating the increasing trade and economic relations and the growing transport connectivity between China and the region. On 30 August, a train loaded with 261 cars left the Liuzhou automobile logistics base (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China) for Tashkent, the […]
China’s Gansu Province Extends Its Reach to Central Asia with New Air Links
A batch of cargo, including machine parts and fresh-cut flowers weighing 16 tonnes, was shipped from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport in northwest China’s Gansu Province to Almaty in Kazakhstan on August 28, 2023. The flight marked the opening of the province’s first cargo flight route connecting Central Asia, Xinhua reports. With the launch of a […]
First cargo train from Russia went to Saudi Arabia along the North-South corridor via Central Asia
The first freight train left Russia for Saudi Arabia via the North-South international transport corridor, transiting through Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran. Shahriar Shahriari, Director General of the Customs Department of the Iranian province of Golestan, said in an interview with the local press that the first freight train from Russia crossed into Iran through the […]
Paving the path to prosperity for Europe and Asia’s Landlocked Developing Countries
Rabab Fatima, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Europe and Asia’s Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) stand at a critical juncture in their development journey. They are confronted with intricate development challenges, emanating from their lack of direct access to the sea, […]
The Belgian cargo airline “Challenge Airlines” performed its first flight to Ashgabat
The sky over Turkmenistan witnessed a significant event – the first flight and landing of a cargo plane of the Belgian airline Challenge Airlines at the Ashgabat International Airport, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium reported in social nets. After the first flight, a videoconference was convened, which was attended by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan […]
IRU and Iranian road transport sector explore key regional opportunities – visited border crossing between Iran and Turkmenistan
To further raise the security and efficiency of regional trade and transit, IRU held workshops and meetings in the Iranian cities of Tehran, Bandar Abbas and Mashhad. IRU also visited the Lotfabad border crossing between Iran and Turkmenistan. IRU member the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), customs authorities (IRICA), the Iran […]
Two new airlines bring the number of carriers in Uzbekistan to eight
Approval of two new airlines in Uzbekistan has brought the total number of carriers in the country to eight. The newcomers are Asia Union Airlines and Tashkent Air. The other airlines are Uzbekistan Airways, Qanot Sharq, Panorama Airways, Humo Air, Centrum Air, and Silk Avia. The airlines in Uzbekistan acquired 17 airplanes during the first […]
Uzbekistan actively tries to overcome the double landlockness, harnessing the connectivity options through the Caucasus
Elvira Kadyrova Last week, Uzbekistan secured several agreements aimed at improving the logistics of its commodity flows towards Turkey and Europe through the Caucasus region. The development of international transport corridors and the creation of favorable conditions for increasing transit traffic became one of the main topics of Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission session, which took place […]
Transport connectivity under the focus of the meeting of the Central Asian Ambassadors with the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnership
The Ambassadors of the Central Asian countries in Belgium held talks with officials of the Directorate General of the European Commission for International Partnership (DG INTPA), headed by Regional Director Peteris Ustubs and Hors Classe Adviser Henrik Hololei. The meeting took place in Brussels on July 14, Friday. According to the Embassy of Turkmenistan in […]