The TRACECA corridor is multimodal and integrates the transport infrastructure of the countries of Europe, the Caucasus and Asia

The conference was held with the cooperation and support of the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) and the Mission of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Azerbaijan in partnership with the Global Chamber and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the United States of America.
 
The event was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, H.E. Mr. Khazar Ibrahim, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia of USAID, Mr. Alexander Sokolowski, USACC Chairman, Mr. Reza Vaziri, Director General of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, Mr. Taleh Ziyadov, Secretary General of the Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA, Mr. Asset Assavbayev, and other high representatives.
 
The opening of the Conference was followed by a Session on air cargo with the participation of representatives of the Silk Way West Airlines and Boeing, as well as Session on the Ports and FTZ Industry with representatives of the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Maryland Port Authority.
 
The industry conference, which discussed thematic issues, including the development of ports, air cargo transportation in the Central Eurasia region and beyond, will allow importers, exporters, shippers, forwarders, consignees and other market players to exchange ideas, experience and opportunities.

During the conference, the participating parties noted how the USAID programme in Azerbaijan, with its focus on the participation of the private sector and the promotion of large regional economic interconnectivity, can benefit the region.

During the presentation, the Secretary General stressed the importance of the development of maritime transportation and ports throughout the corridor, familiarizing the Conference participants with the main areas of activity.

"In order to further develop the corridor, within the framework of the last Meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA, a number of program and strategic documents were adopted designed to ensure the harmonious development of container transport by rail, increase the volume of multimodal cargo transport, simplification of border crossing procedures with a special focus on digitalization. The Permanent Secretariat is actively working on the practical implementation of these areas, including improving the efficiency of maritime transport, awareness of carriers and qualifications," – Mr. A.A. Assavbayev highlighted.
 
The Secretary General also expressed his gratitude to the US Agency for International Development for its support and active participation in organizing events within the framework of the study tour on May 16-24, 2022, which allowed participants to get acquainted with the process of cargo transportation in seaports and at land checkpoints, exchange views on problematic issues with representatives of state bodies.
 
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More information about the programme, speakers and the results of the conference can be found here: Middle Corridor: Connecting economies through ports and air freight connectivity (usacc.org)