TRACECA participated in the International Conference on “SIPA Policy Dialogue on Sustainable and Resilient Freight Connectivity in Central Asia”

The two-day event discussed key issues of regional transport infrastructure development, including sustainable investment, trade facilitation and modernisation of logistics chains. In addition, participants took part in technical seminars and practical sessions on freight performance assessment methods, data collection and traffic flow modelling.

The Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, Mr. Assavbayev A.A. emphasised the importance of international cooperation for sustainable transport. In his speech Mr. Assavbayev A.A. highlighted key transport projects such as the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway line, development of railway infrastructure in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.  “We consider Central Asia as one of the key transport hubs of Eurasia. However, without a systematic approach and integration of national strategies, the region will not be able to fulfil its potential, even with the investments discussed not only in the SIPA project, but also in other reports and studies. Based on the interests of the participating countries, TRACECA is ready to promote this integration, facilitate the exchange of experience and provide a platform for dialogue between the countries”, said Mr. Assavbayev A.

“The SIPA study and the current dialogue provide us with an important opportunity to agree on priorities and jointly develop solutions for a sustainable future of transport in Central Asia”, added the Secretary General.

In addition, in order to ensure sustainable transport, the Secretary General noted the importance of minimising fuel and energy costs as well as switching to environmentally friendly technologies.

An important outcome of the event was the confirmation of the participants' intentions to continue working on projects aimed at improving transport logistics and infrastructure, as well as joint efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce the region's carbon footprint.

As a result of the event, key areas for further collaboration were identified, and agreement was reached on the need to accelerate the introduction of green transport technologies and support initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the transport sector and transitioning to a more sustainable transport system.

Within the framework of bilateral discussions with the ITF Secretary General, Mr. Young Tae Kim, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, Mr. Assavbayev A.A. supported the joint initiative to strengthen and deepen cooperation between TRACECA and ITF. In particular, implementation of the pilot project of e-CIM/SMGS consignment note, elaboration of the 5-year Action Plan based on the Strategy of the IGC TRACECA for development of the ITC Europe-Caucasus-Asia for 2027-2036, introduction of digital (electronic) permits, establishment of the TRACECA Fund, Agreement on Single Transit Permit of TRACECA and other topics were among the issues on the Agenda. The Parties outlined the priorities for further interaction.

For reference:

• SIPA - Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia, an initiative to improve transport infrastructure considering environmental aspects.
• ITF - International Transport Forum, an intergovernmental organisation working on transport policy development.
• ESCAP - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, working on economic and social development in the region.
• IKI - International Climate Initiative, aimed at supporting climate protection and sustainable development projects.
• ADB - Asian Development Bank, a financial organisation providing loans and technical assistance to Asian countries.
• BSEC-URTA - Union of Transport Associations of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, promoting international transport.
• IDB - Islamic Development Bank, which provides financial support to projects in member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
• PS IGC - Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission
• ITC - International Transport Corridor