TRACECA took part in the event dedicated to the launch of the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Agenda Platform

The event was attended by representatives of the European Commission, the member states of the European Union, the countries of Central Asia, international financial institutions, international organisations, including TRACECA, representatives of the private sector and other invited participants.

The programme of the event included a high-level plenary session, as well as thematic panel discussions on transport, energy and digital connectivity, investment cooperation, the development of international transport corridors, sustainable logistics, energy security and digital transformation. The representatives of the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Investment Fund (EIF), as well as representatives of governments, international organisations and private sector took part in the discussions.

Mr. Jasurbek Choriev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, participated in two thematic panel sessions:

• “Cross-regional Connectivity Agenda – Opportunities and Challenges in Transport, Energy and Digital Sectors”, dedicated to the prospects for the development of transport, energy and digital connectivity;
  
  
• “TCTC Platform in Central Asia: Lessons Learned and Pathways for Scaling Up”, within the framework of which the practical results of the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the issues of improving its efficiency, the digitalisation of transport and logistics processes and the further scaling-up of successful regional initiatives were discussed.

Secretary General Mr. Choriev underlined that, under current conditions, the competitiveness of international transport corridors is determined not only by the development of physical infrastructure, but also by the level of digitalisation of transport processes, the harmonisation of the regulatory and legal framework and effective coordination among states. Particular attention was paid to the introduction of modern digital solutions, ensuring the interoperability of information systems, the digitalisation of customs procedures and the development of cross-border data exchange. “These are precisely the tools that make it possible to significantly reduce the cargo clearance time, increase the transparency of the transportation process and reduce administrative costs,” he stated in his speech.

“TRACECA, which brings together 14 member states, for many years has been consistently working on the harmonisation of transport policy, the development of multimodal transport and the creation of favourable conditions for international transit. In this regard, our activities are targeted at building unified approaches to the organisation of transport and removing existing administrative barriers”, the Secretary General noted.

As one of the priority areas for further cooperation, the Secretary General also highlighted the development of unified transport documents, a coordinated tariff policy and digital information exchange among all participants in international transport.

“The introduction of the ‘one cargo – one document’ principle will make it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of logistics chains and ensure the seamless movement of cargo within the TRACECA area”, emphasised Mr. Jasurbek Choriev.

Special attention was paid to the practical experience of introducing modern digital solutions, including the ePermit and eTIR systems, in particular in the Republic of Uzbekistan, which are already contributing to the facilitation of international road transport and the increase of the efficiency of border procedures.

Speaking about the prospects for cooperation with the European Union, the Secretary General emphasised that, alongside investments, the EU's technical expertise in the field of transport digitalisation, the introduction of international standards, ensuring the interoperability of information systems and improving border-crossing procedures is of particular value.

Special attention in the speech was given to the role of TRACECA as an international treaty-based platform that ensures the coordination of the transport policy of its member states and the promotion of unified solutions in the field of international transport. It was noted that TRACECA's activities complement the initiatives undertaken by the European Union, contributing to the prevention of project duplication and ensuring a coordinated approach to the development of transport connectivity in the region.

For reference:

• The Platform is intended to contribute to strengthening transport, energy and digital connectivity between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia through the coordination of joint initiatives, the promotion of sustainable infrastructure projects and the development of regional cooperation. During the event, the European Commission announced the signing of joint statements with international financial institutions providing for the mobilisation of up to EUR 2 billion for the implementation of projects in the field of transport infrastructure, logistics development and trade facilitation;
  
  
• TRACECA will continue to develop cooperation with the European Union, international financial institutions and other partners with a view to promoting the digital transformation of the transport sector and improving international transport procedures.