Turkmenistan Fleet Expansion and Modernization Turkmenistan Airlines has made significant strides in modernizing and expanding its cargo fleet. In March 2023, the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200P2F cargo aircraft, marking Central Asia’s first Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted widebody. This aircraft, registered as EZ-F429, arrived in Ashgabat in May 2023. This acquisition is part of Turkmenistan’s […]
Tajikistan to build railway line up to border with Afghanistan. KOICA of Korea will cooperat
nCa Report Tajikistan is planning to build a railway line to its border with Afghanistan. The ministry of transport of Tajikistan and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have signed a protocol of negotiations on the development of a feasibility study (TES) for the Jaloliddini railway project Balkhi-Nizhny Pyanj. As reported by Asia Plus, “The […]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Three
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan is undergoing a transformative journey in developing its cargo aviation sector, driven by strategic initiatives, infrastructure improvements, international collaborations, and regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s position as a pivotal hub for air cargo in Central Asia. Growth and Expansion Cargo Volume and Fleet Expansion In December 2023, Marat Karabayev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, outlined […]
How will the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway affect the transport connectivity of Central Asia?
The launch of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the construction of which will start in October 2024, will strengthen transport connectivity in Central Asia and increase the transit attractiveness of the region, believes Uzbek expert Nargiza Umarova. Growing geopolitical tensions in the world threaten the security of traditional sea routes on the one hand, and stimulate the […]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Two
Uzbekistan 1.1 Overview and Statistics Uzbekistan’s air cargo sector has seen substantial growth and development in recent years. In 2022, Uzbekistan’s airports processed 80,100 metric tons of cargo and mail, a 62% increase compared to pre-COVID 2019 levels. For 2023, a further 19% increase in freight volume was planned, targeting 95,300 metric tons. This growth […]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part One
Development of Air Cargo The Central Asia, the Caspian region, and the Caucasus regions are witnessing a significant transformation in their air cargo sectors, driven by strategic investments, infrastructure enhancements, and international collaborations. This rapid development is underscored by the bi-annual International Central Asia Aviation Summit, which in April 2024 brought together over 200 aviation professionals from […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are interested in developing the eastern branch of the North-South corridor
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin and Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammetkhan Chakiyev held a bilateral meeting in Astana. The sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the transport sector. Both countries are actively cooperating in the development of the […]
Central Asian Transport Ministers Advance Cooperation
Ministers of Transport of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan convened in Astana on 8 August 2023, to discuss enhancing regional connectivity. The meeting, held ahead of the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, focused on expanding transit corridors, rail and road infrastructure, and air travel options, ministry of transport of Kazakhstan […]
Security, transport, energy and the climate agenda – the key statements of the President of Azerbaijan at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana
“Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia represent a single historical, cultural, and geopolitical space, with growing strategic importance. Our peoples share a centuries-old history, culture, religion, and common values,” President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan stressed, speaking at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana. In his speech, Aliyev […]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan could make efforts to link the transport systems of Central Asia, China, Europe, the Middle East, says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan could make efforts to create the necessary conditions for the linking the transport systems of Central Asia, China, Europe, the Middle East, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said during a meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Astana, Friday, 9 August. In this regard, the relevance of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan transport route […]
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held summit talks in Astana – A Program of strategic partnership and alliance for the next 10 years adopted
On 8 August 2024, high-level talks were held in Astana between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. As a result of the talks, a Program of strategic partnership and alliance for the next 10 years was adopted, the key objectives of which are to further strengthen friendly ties and encouraging […]
Turkmenistan is building up the potential of transport diplomacy and transit highways
TDH Commentary The sphere of transport and communications is the most important component of the economy of any nation. The dynamics of its development largely determines the dynamics of the development of the whole country. In turn, one of the integral components of the transport infrastructure is the freight and passenger transportation service, which is […]
Record-Breaking Cargo Delivery on China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Route
A container train recently completed the 4,486-kilometer journey from China to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan in a record-breaking five days, Kazinform reports. Departing from the Kazakh-Chinese terminal in Xi’an, China, the train traversed the Kazakhstan Railways network to the Saryagash border station before reaching its final destination, Tashkent, a major Central Asian transportation hub. The expedited […]
Gas swap and transport corridors: How Iran and Turkmenistan are building the future of cooperation
Trade between Turkmenistan and Iran is currently valued at approximately $500 million. However, Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani believes this figure is set to soar as the two nations collaborate on new economic ventures. In an interview with the Turkmenistan newspaper, the ambassador highlighted the significance of a recent gas swap agreement with […]
India-Uzbekistan Container Service Launched via Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s Transport and Logistics Center (TULM) has successfully launched the first container train service between India and Uzbekistan. The inaugural train, carrying 20 TEU containers of ceramic tiles, departed from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port and is currently en route to Chukursai railway station in Uzbekistan via Turkmenistan’s Sarakhs. At Sarakhs, cargo is being transferred from […]
Turkmenistan is ready to invest in the construction of the Torghundi-Herat railway in Afghanistan
The Turkmen delegation headed by Chairman of the Turkmendemiryollary Agency (Turkmen Railways) Azat Atamuradov held talks with Deputy Minister of of Public Works for Railway transport of Afghanistan Bakhtur Rahman Sharaft in Kabul, the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan reported. The two-day meeting involved detailed discussions between the delegations of both countries aimed at […]
Turkmenistan – Tajikistan: Strategic partnership of fraternal peoples
Irina Imamkulieva Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, based on their strategic objectives and program documents, jointly maintain positive dynamics of interaction in all priority areas of cooperation. Based on the principles of equality, mutual support and trust, Turkmen-Tajik relations demonstrate an exemplary model of strategic partnership. The stages of a long journey Two fraternal peoples, Turkmen and […]
China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran Develop New Transport Route
JSC “Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan” (TULM) and Kazakhstani logistics company JSC “KTZ Express” have successfully piloted a new container train route connecting China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. The inaugural train, carrying 45 forty-foot containers of auto parts, traversed the route from Xi’an (China) to Tehran (Iran) via Altynkol and Bolashak (Kazakhstan) and Etrek […]
The trilateral Working group between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan is actively continuing its work to achieve common goals in regional development in the Caspian Sea
On July 24, 2024, the second Meeting of the trilateral Working Group on Improving Connectivity in the Caspian Sea was held in the online format. During the meeting of the Working Group, the draft Action Plan was thoroughly reviewed by representatives of the Parties, new wordings of the paragraphs have been proposed. At the same […]
Turkmenistan and EU Explore Deeper Ties in Transport
Turkmenistan and the European Union are strengthening their partnership, with a particular focus on transportation. This was highlighted during an informal meeting between Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium S. Palvanov and Taneli Lahti, Head of the Cabinet of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships. The officials discussed a range of existing bilateral and multilateral projects and […]
Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan Discuss New Investment Fund, Transport Links, and Textile Collaboration
On 26 July 2024, the VI meeting of the intergovernmental Kyrgyz-Turkmen commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan in a narrow and expanded format was in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic. During the meeting in a narrow format, negotiations were held between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers […]
Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to Pakistan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov is on a visit to Pakistan. On 23 July 2024, he held a number of meetings, including with the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. Bilateral political consultations were also held on the same day. As is obvious from the press materials, […]
Does Uzbekistan need transit integration?
For the Central Asian states, the issue of direct participation in international transit cargo transportation is becoming relevant. Integration into the global transport network allows not only to expand the market for export products abroad, but also to join the intermediate trade turnover between countries and receive bonuses for the transit of goods through their […]
Iran-China freight train relaunched
Iran-China freight train was relaunched at Aprin dry port, in Eslamshahr county, southwest of Tehran city, on Sunday (21 Jul). Relaunching this train was simultaneous with launching first phase of the China-Europe rail corridor, in a ceremony attended by Miad Salehi, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (known as RAI), as well […]
Kazakhstan to Repair Road to Turkmenistan Border
The Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan is planning to repair a 229-kilometer highway leading from Zhanaozen to Kenderli and onward to the border with Turkmenistan. This project aims to improve transportation infrastructure and boost the tourism potential of the Mangystau region, particularly the resort village of Kenderli, according to the ministry. The existing road belongs […]
The capacity of the eastern direction of the North-South transport corridor through Kazakhstan will increase to 10 million tons per year
“In whatever country the International North–South Transport Corridor begins and ends, almost all of its routes run through Kazakhstan,” Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin said during his remarks at the opening of the first transport trade and export forum “North-South” in Aktau. According to him, by 2027, the capacity of the eastern direction […]
Visit of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan to Romania
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov visited Romania. On 18-19 July, he held a series of meetings in Bucharest. The main topics of discussion were political, interparliamentary cooperation, issues of interaction in transport projects and education. Political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Romania On July 18, 2024, […]
Alongside TAPI gas line route: Crucial regional rail project on the cards
Pakistan and Turkmenistan are likely to announce next week, the construction of a railway line along the route of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline project to enhance regional connectivity and provide a reliable transportation link between the two countries, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. This announcement is part of the decisions to be taken at […]
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan discussed the construction of a new railway line – Turkmenistan will soon begin construction of a logistics center in Torghundi
A trilateral meeting of representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan took place on the sidelines of the first transport trade and export forum in Aktau. The parties discussed the possibility of building a new railway line Torghundi – Herat – Kandahar – Spin-Buldak, which will run from the western border of Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to […]
Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Russia Sign Roadmap for North-South Transport Corridor
Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Russia have signed a Roadmap for the synchronous development of the potential of the eastern route of the North-South transport corridor for 2024-2025, according to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan. The implementation of this document by 2027 will increase the capacity of the corridor to 15 million tons per year, […]
Туркменистан, Казахстан и Афганистан активизируют транспортное сотрудничество
19 июля 2024 года в рамках проходящего в г. Актау (Казахстан) Первого торгово-логистического форума «Север-Юг» состоялась трёхсторонняя встреча руководителей транспортных ведомств Туркменистана, Казахстана и Афганистана, в ходе которой был обсужден широкий комплекс вопросов, связанных с дальнейшим наращиванием потенциала сотрудничества между тремя государствами в транспортной сфере. В частности, стороны обсудили условия транспортировки грузов по маршруту Казахстан […]
Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan enhance transport cooperation
On July 19, 2024, as part of the First «North-South» Trade and Logistics Forum taking place in Aktau (Kazakhstan), a trilateral meeting of the heads of transport departments of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan was held, during which a wide range of issues related to further capacity building were discussed cooperation between the three states in […]
New Azerbaijani Tanker Makes Maiden Voyage to Turkmenistan
The “Zangilan,” a new oil tanker built for the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), successfully completed its maiden voyage to the port of Aladja in Turkmenistan. The tanker, commissioned on 2 July in the presence of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, delivered crude oil from Turkmenistan to the Sangachal seaport on 17 July. The port point […]
The 18th meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation held in Tashkent
On 16 July 2024, the 18th meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation was held in Tashkent. The event was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Atdaev. It was also attended by the heads […]
Chinese freight train to enter Iran from Turkmenistan: envoy
The Iranian envoy to China has said that a Chinese transit train will enter Iran from Incheh Borun Crossing after crossing Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Mohsen Bakhtiar, Iran’s ambassador to China, wrote on the X social network that “In continuation of the efforts of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to strengthen the transit […]
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Collaborate on New Eco-Friendly Air Corridor
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have joined forces to implement a new air navigation corridor designed to minimize the hydrocarbon footprint of air travel. Officially launched on 11 July 2024, this route reduces flight distances, leading to a significant decrease in harmful transportation emissions. The Ministry of Transport in Uzbekistan announced the official opening of new segments […]
Afghanistan Sees Exports to Central Asia Surge Through Torghundi Port
Afghan officials report a significant rise in exports to Central Asian nations, particularly Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, via Herat’s Torghundi dry port, according to the official Afghan news agency Alemarah. The export volume has doubled compared to the previous year, officials say. Last year, an average of 15 trucks carrying Afghan goods crossed the port […]
Kazakhstan invites Turkmen exporters and business representatives to the North-South Transport Forum
Exporters and business representatives from Turkmenistan are invited to the North-South Transport Trade and Export Forum, which will be held on 19-20 July 2024 in Aktau under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan S.M. Zhumangarin. The event will be organized by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. […]
Turkmenistan, EU Discuss Boosting Transport Cooperation, Upcoming EU-CA Ministerial Meeting in Focus
The Turkmen Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov met with Mr. Henrik Hololei, Hors Classe Adviser of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), Peteris Ustubs Director at DG INTPA and Andrea Rossi from European External Action Service, to discuss opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan in the transport sector, […]
Turkmenistan explores Expanded Training for Maritime Specialists in Astrakhan
The issues of training specialists for maritime and river transport of Turkmenistan at the Caspian Institute of Maritime and River Transport named after Admiral F.M. Apraksin, located in Astrakhan (Russia), were discussed by the Consul of Turkmenistan in Astrakhan Gadam Ilamanov during a meeting with the director of the university Olga Kartashova. The Minister of […]
Logistics Company from Chinese Shandong Seeks Partnership with Turkmenistan
A recent meeting in Ashgabat explored potential collaboration between Turkmenistan’s logistics sector and one of the major players of transport sector from China. Representatives from the Turkmen Association of Transport and Logistics Companies (“Turkmen logistika”) met with officials from Shandong Hi-Speed Qilu Eurasia Railway Logistics Co., a leading logistics operator in China’s Shandong Province. The […]
China and Kazakhstan signed over 30 documents – Tokayev and Xi launched cargo traffic along the Trans–Caspian transport route – agreed to increase trade turnover to $ 80 billion
President Xi Jinping of China is on a state visit to Kazakhstan. On Wednesday, 3 July, the summit talks between President Xi Jinping and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took place in Astana. Speaking at the final press briefing, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that together with the Chinese President, he will continue to direct all efforts […]
Tokyo-Osaka Logistics Tunnel is not replicable in Central Asia but it encourages the quest for out of the box solutions
nCa Commentary Japan is planning to build the Tokyo-Osaka Logistics Tunnel, a nearly 500km network of hi-tech, automated conveyor belts – called the Autoflow-Road – to transport goods It will be a zero-emissions solution for moving the cargo between the two major cities of Japan. It will also replace 25000 trucks. Apart from ecological concerns […]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project Reaches Implementation Stage – Part Two
nCa Report Jogorku Kenesh, the parliament of Kyrgyzstan, passed on 19 June 2024 the bill to approve the construction of the CKU (China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway line project). The adoption of the bill clears the way for the start of construction of the railway line. The Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Yrysbek Bariev, said, “This route […]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project Reaches Implementation Stage – Part One
nCa Report The Chin-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway project has reached the implementation stage. The construction work is expected to start any time between August and October this year. A ceremony was held in Beijing on 6 June 2024 to sign an agreement on the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. The agreement was signed by the heads […]
Ulyanovsk Region intends to reach the Persian Gulf and South Asia through Turkmenistan
The Ulyanovsk region of Russia eyes on a new trade route reaching the Persian Gulf and South Asia, with Turkmenistan as the key link. This ambitious plan is evidenced by the development of a new Ulyanovsk-Ashgabat-Incheh Boroun/Serakhs block train route, a collaborative effort between Russian and Turkmen specialists within the East Caspian railway corridor. The […]
Iran anticipates Turkmen Sulfur Transit via New Caspian Railway
Iranian authorities have announced plans to commence the transit of sulfur from Turkmenistan via the recently inaugurated Rasht-Caspian Port railway. This new route, operational since 20 June, signifies a significant step forward in regional connectivity. The 37-kilometer Rasht-Caspian railway connects the city of Rasht to the Caspian Sea port of Caspian in Enzeli. This section […]
From East to West and from North to South: The Future of the Eurasian Transport Network
The EDB has identified ten systemic elements of the Eurasian Transport Network Concept. This concept aims to establish and enhance sustainable, accessible and efficient transport links across Eurasia. The concept is detailed in a report that reviews the current situation, provides development projections for five key transport corridors in Eurasia and presents key projects and […]
IRU says Southern Corridor experiences boost in freight volumes
The southern branch of the east-west corridor offers unparalleled connectivity. A 20-day road transport operation is a recent example of that. Goods were transported by road from Shanghai, under the TIR system, to the Armenian capital of Yerevan in just 20 days. The truck exited China from the Khorgos border crossing between China and Kazakhstan, […]
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Eye Diversification of Middle Corridor
Chairman Rovshan Rustamov of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC met with his counterpart, Chairman of the Turkmen Railways Agency Azat Atamuradov, and a high-level delegation from the Turkmen Marine and River Ways agency (Turkmendenizderyayollary) during a recent working visit to Ashgabat. Discussions focused on strengthening railway cooperation between the two countries, with an aim to increase cargo […]