Outlines of cooperation of TRACECA and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): 2nd Annual Meeting of AIIB of the Board of Governors. Land Development and Transportation Infrastructure Investment in the Era of 4th Industrial Revolution

Within the Seminar, distinguished speakers and panelists addressed the speeches on different topics among which, Big Switch of Communication, Land Development and Transportation, and others. 

During the session on Land Development and Transportation Infrastructure, Mr. Ciopraga made a presentation on the activity of TRACECA within the implementation of the Strategy for development of the international transport corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia aimed at effective use of the advantages of the geographic situation and economic potentials of the corridor.

Within the speech, it was stated that the Republic of Korea is an important importer of oil and other mineral resources. Some TRACECA countries also export the named articles in sufficient supplies to be able to interest the Korean partners, which is also of no small importance within the framework of diversification of external trade. 

In addition, the Korean companies, including those interested in the implementation of investment projects and not only infrastructure projects within the international transport corridor TRACECA, may get goods dividends on cooperation with TRACECA member states. Since the ITC TRACECA does not have physical borders with the Republic of Korea, however modern transport-logistic technologies allow solution of this issue. 

In this connection it should be noted launched container block train "Nomad Eхpress" moving along the routes of TRACECA from China. Starting from August 2015 up to date several trips of this train were organized and performed for the countries of the South Caucasus, Turkey, Ukraine, and after commissioning of the railway section (Kars-Akhalkalaki), that is the connection of the Turkish and Georgian railway networks (expected this year) this container train will run regularly. The time frame of transit between China west border and the EU ports of Black Sea was 12 days.
“It is natural to carry Korean goods along this route. For example, transportation of containers to Turkey will take about 18 days, which is shorter than shipping by sea routes across the Indian Ocean”, Mr. Ciopraga mentioned.  

Within the Seminar, panelists and speakers exchanged views on experiences and best solutions to be taken included to the future investment plan and development strategy in the region.

After the Seminar, Mr. Ciopraga had an opportunity to meet with different stakeholders and concerned parties. In particular, during the meeting with Mr. Hyong-Kwon Ko, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, M. Ciopraga noted mutually beneficial collaboration and TRACECA always open for all initiatives to promote strengthening of the regional transport dialogue ensuring effective and reliable international Eurasian transport connections.