TRACECA at the 22nd Caspian International Exhibition: joint efforts for sustainable development of the transport system in the region

The event annually gathers representatives of public, private and international structures, providing a platform for discussing relevant issues and prospects of transport sector development. The participants included representatives from Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Georgia, India, Switzerland, Türkiye and other countries, as well as representatives of international organisations, logistics companies and relevant associations.

The Agenda included panel discussions on topics such as sustainability in the energy sector, digitalisation of railway transport, development of multimodal transport in the Caspian region and related challenges in ensuring efficient logistics, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in the energy sector.

On the second day of the exhibition, 3 June, a closed Working Group Session of the e-CIM/SMGS consignment note pilot project was held in hybrid format. The event was attended by representatives of railway operators from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Türkiye, as well as Moldova, staff of the Permanent Secretariat of the IGC TRACECA, representatives of UNECE, UN/CEFACT, OSJD, CIT and UIC. 

During the discussions the issues of integration of internal IT systems, development of EDIFACT/XML converter, extension of the pilot project activities with the participation of Moldova, results of the third phase of virtual testing, possible directions of cooperation with other pilot initiatives, etc. were discussed.

Also, within the framework of the exhibition, a panel discussion on “Digitalisation of Railway Transport" was held under the moderation of the PS IGC TRACECA, during which Mr. Asset Assavbayev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA made a welcoming speech. In his address Mr. A. Assavbayev stressed the importance of digitalisation for the creation of a seamless, integrated digital space for all participants of the supply chain, and reiterated TRACECA's commitment to the effective implementation of digital technologies for the development of the industry.

Further, the participants and speakers of the panel session - representatives from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Türkiye, as well as UN/CEFACT international expert shared the main achievements in the field of railway transport digitalisation in their countries, current problems, future plans, as well as practical experience of participation in the e-CIM/SMGS consignment note pilot project.

It should be noted that the Permanent Secretariat of the IGC TRACECA fully supports the further prosperity of such a demanded platform aimed at sharing experience and knowledge, best practices in the field of transport and logistics, as well as promoting the development of transport corridors. 

For reference:

- The exhibition will last until 4 June. For more information on the 22nd Caspian International Exhibition “Transport, Transit and Logistics”, please visit the following link