TRACECA and Tajikistan: cooperation opportunities in expanding trade and improving transit opportunities

The program of the visit included meetings with the leadership of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan, Association of International Automobile Carriers of the Republic of Tajikistan «ABBAT», as well as a study visit to the BCP "Bratstvo (Dusti) – Saryasiya (Denau)" on the route Dushanbe-Tursunzoda (border with Uzbekistan).

On March 10, 2020 in the framework of the meeting of SG with the Association of International Automobile Carriers of the Republic of Tajikistan «ABBAT», attended by Mr. Mahmadali Shokirov, the President of the Association, Mr. Boymurod Eshonov, Vice-President of the Association and Mr. Siyovush Shokirov, Head of TIR Department discussed the use of a common system of multiple permits for transit traffic on the TRACECA corridor, as well as the gaps in the way of unhindered transit of goods.

Association of the Republic of Tajikistan «ABBAT» expressed its readiness for further cooperation and hope to activate the work of the IGC TRACECA taking into consideration the needs of the countries of Central Asia.

During the visit to the Dusti-Saryasiya BCP, Secretary General got acquainted with the export-import zone, the nearby terminal and the customs clearance zone. "Bratstvo (Dusti) - Saryasiya (Denau)" BCP on the route Dushanbe-Tursunzoda (border with Uzbekistan), where there is an exit to the city of Termez and then the road leads to the city of Tashkent, a length of about 700 km. The BCP is open round the clock and seven days a week.

On 11 March 2020, during the meeting of SG with the leadership of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan the plans of the PS IGC TRACECA for the current year, the system of a common permit for transit traffic on the TRACECA corridor, the expansion of the geography of the countries participating in TRACECA, changing the status of the TRACECA program and other issues were discussed.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Suhrob Mirzozoda, First Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ms. Shoista Saidmurodzoda, Deputy Minister of road and rail transport, Mr. Aziz Nabizoda, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of Tajikistan, Mr. Farrukh Nematzoda, Head of Inland Transport Department, Mr. Saifullo Kodirov, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ms. Fotima Hamdamzoda, Representative of the MFA of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ms. Farida Yokubzoda, Permanent Representative (National Secretary) of the PS IGC TRACECA in the Republic of Tajikistan.

Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan supported the TRACECA new initiatives, in particular, the market digitization of the countries of Central Asia, increasing volumes of container traffic in the TRACECA landlocked countries, and proposed new projects for the support in the framework of Technical Assistance. It was also suggested to address the issue concerning continuing assistance to the civil aviation sector in the direction of training. The parties agreed to provide full assistance and to continue close cooperation for the development of the TRACECA transport corridor.

On the outcomes of the meeting, it was decided that the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan will send its new proposals and comments on all submitted requests and suggestions of the PS IGC TRACECA.