On 18 March 2025, the Round Table on “TITR perspectives within the framework of implementation of the TRACECA priorities” was held at the TRACECA Headquarters

The main topic and focus of the discussions were centred on the most important priority tasks and challenges facing TRACECA in the light of the rapid rebuilding of the intra-continental transport routes.

Mr. A. Assavbayev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, addressed the participants of the Round Table with a welcoming speech, noting the main priority directions of development of the international transport corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia. “Development of trade relations and transport connectivity are the main objectives of the Basic Multilateral Agreement signed 25 years ago. After a long time, trade facilitation is still a topical issue due to the ever-changing circumstances affecting the transport flows of Eurasia. Today we have gathered to discuss the development of routes and especially the interaction between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, as the infrastructure of these two countries ensures the connectivity of the regions,” the TRACECA Secretary General said in his speech. In addition, also within the framework of speech the interconnection between the TITR and TRACECA as a condition for sustainable development of both programmes was noted.

“Considering the TITR role in modern conditions, with which TRACECA has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, it would be useful to implement practical activities in a coordinated and regular manner, as the Permanent Secretariat works at the state level, while the Association works at the level of private sector representatives and carriers”, emphasised Mr. A. Assavbayev.

Mr. Ilgar Velizade, Head of the political analysts' club "South Caucasus", co-moderator of the Round Table, noted the importance of exchanging views on the Agenda items, in particular on the issue of transport development and the benefits of a coordinated regional transit policy, while emphasising the role of transport as the most important transport component.

The participants of the meeting exchanged views on cooperation in the transport and logistics sector with a view to implementing large-scale transport projects in the region, on opportunities and prospects of cross-border transport from China to Europe via Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, bottlenecks and ways of solving emerging problems, tariff policy, dynamics of further development and plans for the current year.

In conclusion, the sides confirmed their readiness to make joint efforts to promote the formation of a sustainable corridor for the benefit of all TRACECA countries, including through harmonisation of legal norms and coordination of practical issues in the region.

For reference:

• TRACECA is the internationally recognised programme uniting the transport system of 14 countries of the Basic Multilateral Agreement on International Transport for Development of the Europe-the Caucasus-Asia Corridor (MLA), which aims to develop economic relations, trade and transport connectivity in the Europe, Black Sea, Caucasus regions.
• International Association “Trans-Caspian International Transport Route” (TITR) is the association that has been functioning since February 2017. This route runs through China, Kazakhstan, Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and further to the countries of Europe.