EU and Turkmenistan discussed the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor

22.11.2024

On November 20, an online seminar was held within the framework of the EU Coordinating Platform for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The event brought together representatives from Turkmenistan's state agencies, the European Union, international financial institutions, and foreign embassies. From the Turkmen side, the event was attended by the Turkmenistan Transport and Communications Agency, the 'Turkmendemiryollary' Agency, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, and the Turkmen Ambassador to Brussels, Sapar Palvanov. On the EU side, the event was supported by the Directorate-General for International Partnerships of the European Commission (DG INTPA), international financial institutions including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the French Ambassador to Turkmenistan, and representatives of other diplomatic missions in Ashgabat. Henrik Hololei, Chief Advisor to the Director-General of the European Commission for International Cooperation, delivered the opening speech. The main goal of the online seminar was to discuss Turkmenistan's priority transport projects and the possibilities of financing them within the framework of international cooperation. Participants emphasized the need to develop transport infrastructure to increase the transit potential of the Trans-Caspian Corridor and strengthen connections between Central Asia and Europe. The seminar continued the initiative launched in Ashgabat on October 3, where the high-level official launch of the Coordinating Platform for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor took place. The platform was created to facilitate dialogue between Central Asian countries, international financial institutions, and the EU, as well as to advance the corridor and coordinate efforts to implement priority projects in hard and soft infrastructure in Central Asia. Participants discussed several key issues, including: • Modernizing Turkmenistan's railway infrastructure, particularly the Turkmenabat-Turkmenbashi route, focusing on building new tracks and reducing cargo transit times. • Implementing innovative technologies such as electronic data collection and monitoring systems. • Creating a unified logistics portal to optimize transport and customs operations. • Attracting international financing and technical assistance to implement projects, with support from financial institutions such as ADB, EBRD, and the European Investment Bank. Participants highlighted the importance of information exchange and coordination of efforts among all parties. Special attention was given to developing project concepts and presenting them to potential investors. EU representatives confirmed their readiness to provide technical and advisory support, including conducting additional studies and preparing roadmaps. The online discussion marked the next step in cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the field of transport and logistics.