- European Commission, Kazakhstan Launch Coordination Platform for Building Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor
- Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is a vital transport and logistic route that links Europe and Asia.
By: Muhammad Arif
Astana: European Commission and Kazakhstan have launched of the coordination platform aimed at building Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, also called “the Middle Corridor”, a vital transport and logistic route linking Europe and Asia.
According to official sources, the newly established Coordination Platform will improve the safety and sustainability of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. It will expand the corridor’s functionality to turn it into a multimodal and competitive route linking Europe and Asia in 15 days or less.
The event was attended by representatives of Central Asian countries and other states along the corridor, as well as by international financial institutions and non-EU G7 countries.
Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, Mr. Marat Karabayev, said: “the development of transport infrastructure and strengthening transport links play a critical role in the economic growth and prosperity of the regions”.
“The establishment of the Coordination Platform provides us with a unique opportunity to join forces, exchange experience and perspectives to reach common goals. I would like to note that our partners from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, as well as Turkey have been invited to join to this effort, which plays an important role in terms of achieving major and sustainable goals for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route,” the Minister said.
The Minister of Transport thanked the representatives of countries and organisations for their participation and interest in the establishment of the unique platform, and expressed gratitude to the European Union for its invaluable support and efforts aimed at the development of Central Asian countries.
Mr. Henrik Hololei, Hors-Classe Adviser at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships in the European Commission stated: “The Coordination Platform created for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor marks a significant step forward in our cooperation to bring Central Asia and Europe closer together. Sustainable transport connections are crucial for consolidating the region’s economic growth and connectivity with Europe. We are committed to supporting our partners in achieving their development and environmental goals.”
Ms. Maja Bakran, Deputy Director General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission added: “The Coordination Platform will be instrumental in making the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor a multimodal, modern, competitive, sustainable, predictable, smart and fast route linking Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The coordination efforts among the various stakeholders will drive forward deeper connections and contribute to sustainable economic development of the region.”
The Platform will generally promote the corridor and coordinate efforts on the implementation of priority hard and soft infrastructure projects in Central Asia. It will also boost and coordinate investments in rail, road, and port infrastructure.
It should be noted that the European Union has long been a reliable partner of our region, thus contributing to the improvement of infrastructure and strengthening of economic ties, and promoting sustainable development. Our joint work within the framework of the newly established Platform will not only improve transport infrastructure, but will also significantly strengthen economic ties, increase safety and sustainability of transport corridors, as well as accelerate the introduction of innovations and advanced technologies in the transport sector.
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