Strengthening cooperation between Lithuania and TRACECA: strategic initiatives and plans for further development of transport corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia

The discussions focused on the issues of strengthening Lithuania's cooperation with TRACECA, further development of international transport routes and removal of existing barriers in order to ensure efficient transit along Europe-the Caucasus-Asia corridor.

One of the main topics of discussion was the establishment of the TRACECA Fund, approved on 26 February 2025 by the Decision of the Seventeenth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA in Iran. “The establishment of the Fund is an important step for the whole TRACECA region. The Fund aims to strengthen cross-border and regional cooperation among stakeholders and to involve the private sector in the development of projects aimed at improving international trade and transport of goods. Its main objective is aimed at providing financial support through grants and attracting investments for the implementation of strategic projects in order to improve logistics processes and simplify border crossing procedures”, - noted Assavbayev A, the Secretary General of TRACECA. 

In addition, the Secretary General informed about Latvia's accession to TRACECA as an observer in the IGC, as well as the extension of the observer status by Greece. This indicates that there is interest in long-term participation in the development of the transport corridor. Assavbayev A. emphasised that Lithuania, as one of the first countries that joined TRACECA in the observer status, continues to play a key role in the process of integration of the transport corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia into global logistics chains and promoting its strategic objectives and international initiatives. Special attention was also paid to Lithuania's successful experience in the implementation of a pilot project on transportation of goods by semi-trailers, which demonstrated the efficiency and convenience of using digital solutions. 

During the exchange of views, the participants of the meeting discussed the introduction of e-CIM/SMGS consignment notes and digital permits. It was noted that their expanded use throughout the corridor will significantly improve the transparency and efficiency of transit operations.

The sides exchanged views on multilateral permits, Agreement on a Single Transit Permit of TRACECA and other initiatives.

At the end of the meeting, the participants stressed the importance of continuing constructive dialogue and joint efforts aimed at further development of the corridor, its integration into international transport networks and attracting new partners for cooperation.

For reference:

• TRACECA includes the transport system of 14 participating countries united by the idea of developing the international transport corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia.
• Since 2009 Lithuania has the status of an observer in the IGC TRACECA.

Related news:

• On 26 February 2025 in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, in the framework of the Seventeenth Annual Meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA, the Rules of Operation of the TRACECA Fund were approved. Read more: The Islamic Republic of Iran has become the Chairman Party of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA

• On 30 January, 2023, the meeting of Mr. Asset Assavbayev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA with Mr. Julius Skačkauskas, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania was held