On 10 November 2021, the meeting was held between Mr Asset Assavbayev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA and H.E. Mr Michel Peetermans, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belgium in Azerbaijan

During discussions on the latest developments and prospects in TRACECA, views were exchanged on integration prospects that are strategically important for Europe-the Caucasus-Asia region.  

Within the meeting, issues of containerization and digitalization of the corridor, including the introduction of electronic transport documents, improvement of border crossing procedures, determination of competitive tariffs and preferential conditions, legislation harmonization, etc. were discussed.

Taking into consideration the goals and objectives of the Strategy of the EU countries, the participants of the meeting agreed that in modern world conditions, the transport industry of Europe-the Caucasus-Asia corridor needs support.

Along with further integration processes within the EU policy towards its neighbouring countries ("Eastern Partnership") and the new EU Strategy for Central Asia, Mr. Assavbayev expressed hope for the assistance from the Embassy of Belgium in promoting TRACECA initiatives and participating in joint studies of the TRACECA countries at the level of the European Commission structures.

"Taking into account the projects developed, the active use of the corridor's opportunities and its full potential is one of the primary tasks," – Mr A.A. Assavbayev, Secretary General highlighted.   

On the outcomes of the meeting, Ambassador Mr Peetermans confirmed his willingness for assistance and cooperation after a detailed review of the current activities and the status of the initiatives’ implementation in the countries.