ASEM Eurasian Expert Group meeting (EEGM) conducting joint research on sustainable international cooperation in establishing Eurasian Transport and Logistics Network

Within the main points of the Agenda of the meeting, participants, professionals from international organizations, and relevant experts from ASEM member countries Eurasian countries and its partners came together to exchange ideas on infrastructure connectivity, simplification of customs clearance and quarantine procedures, and financing measures for the establishment of Eurasian Transport and Logistics Network.

During EEG Meeting, Mr. Ciopraga emphasized that due to its favourable geographic location TRACECA, one part of it being in Europe, and the other - on the border with the East Asian countries, offers clients an alternative to intercontinental trans-oceanic corridor. The corridor covers overland routes passing across the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea countries, through the South Caucasus, or Iran and Turkey, ensuring exchange of goods on the whole Eurasian continent. 

One of the main criteria of further development in the Eurasian region consist in ensuring a sustainable multi-modal transport chain with uninterrupted flow of trade and passengers, introduction and maximally wide spreading of the best practices and advanced regional and international experience, modern approaches and innovations among all concerned circles in the whole region. 

These criteria coincide with the aims and objectives of TRACECA Programme so that to enhance the role and functions of the corridor in international trade outside the TRACECA region, to encourage stakeholders in making a systematic evaluation of regional and international consequences of the national policy.

In addition, provision of optimal conditions to attract private sector for creation of maritime routes, international logistic centres and realization of combined projects, identification of priority infrastructure and other projects from the point of view of investments and financing schemes, reinforcement of human resources and capacity development are among important objectives.

Within the EEGM participants outlined that the efforts are to be made for efficient and safe transport and logistics network, for appropriate funding and investment and what is most important – for connection of isolated sections. In particular, the development of logistic network requires establishment of an international standard by refurbishing technology systems, enhancement of the unity of procedures and fare systems to travel across borders, strengthening international cooperation, establishment of private public partnership (PPP).