TRACECA at the EU Global Gateway International Platform: Participation in the Investment Forum in Tashkent

Ministers, representatives of government agencies, international organizations, international financial institutions, the private sector, and the expert community from countries in Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus actively participated in the Forum.

During the plenary session, Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and Ms. Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, emphasized the high importance the European Union attaches to the commitment of Central Asian and Caucasian countries to jointly expand the transport and logistics capabilities of the Trans-Caspian route, increasing its capacity and sustainability.

The key topics of the forum included the development of rail and multimodal integration, digitalization and simplification of procedures, improvement of maritime transport and logistics, and the elimination of infrastructure bottlenecks along the entire corridor.

During the session “Railway Connectivity and Multimodal Transport,” Mr. Asset Assavbayev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, participated in the exchange of views with representatives of the government, international institutions, and the private sector.

Noting the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian Corridor on the international transport agenda, he noted the importance of coordinated efforts to develop multimodal solutions. “The increased attention to the route creates favorable conditions for the joint development of multimodal solutions, given that over 90% of global freight is transported using multiple modes of transport, as well as for strengthening connectivity. The joint efforts of the corridor countries will help create a sustainable, interconnected, and competitive transport system that meets modern requirements,” emphasized Mr. A. Assavbayev

At the Forum, bilateral and regional agreements between the EU and a number of international financial institutions, including the EBRD, the World Bank, the EIB, GIZ, and Expertise France, were announced and signed. The initiatives presented cover preparatory studies, seaport modernization, road construction and reconstruction, energy transport network development, and improving the efficiency of transport infrastructure management in the countries of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea region. Among the projects presented were the development and technical renovation of the ports of Aktau and Batumi, the rehabilitation of road sections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the modernization of transport corridors in Uzbekistan, and initiatives that create the conditions for further attracting private investment in infrastructure projects in the region.

For reference:

• The Forum is a continuation of the first Investment Forum, held in Brussels in January 2024. Its goal is to discuss further steps to strengthen transport connectivity, attract investment, and develop infrastructure along the Europe-Central Asia route.
  For more information: https://traceca-org.org/en/news/single-news/n/
  

- The event program included:

• A high-level opening session featuring the leadership of the Republic of Uzbekistan and representatives of the European Commission;
• Panel discussions on rail connectivity, multimodality, facilitation, digitalization, maritime transport, and port infrastructure;
• Side events, including a meeting of transport ministers from the EU, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea region, as well as an announcement ceremony for investment agreements.
  

- TRACECA unites 14 countries in Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. For over 30 years, the PS IGC TRACECA has been working to integrate transport systems, harmonize procedures, and develop multimodal connections in the region. The corridor was initially designed as a multimodal corridor, which fully aligns with current global logistics trends.