BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The share of
the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TITR) in Uzbekistan’s freight
traffic with the European Union has risen significantly over the
past five years, increasing from 12% to 28%, Director of the Center
for Transport and Logistics Development Studies under Uzbekistan’s
Ministry of Transport Bekzod Kholmatov noted during a meeting held
on September 22.
The figures were cited in a statement issued by Uzbekistan’s
Ministry of Transport following a September 22 seminar in Tashkent,
organized jointly by the European Union, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of
Transport, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) under
the framework of the TITR Coordination Platform.
The seminar brought together representatives of Uzbekistan’s
private sector to identify practical measures for improving the
corridor’s efficiency and competitiveness.
Furthermore, Kholmatov stated that the growth in the corridor’s
share demonstrates its increasing role in trade between Uzbekistan
and the EU, while barriers remain along the route.
“Direct dialogue with the business community is important for
developing practical solutions to the barriers affecting the
corridor,” Kholmatov said.
EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar highlighted the
strategic importance of the TITR under the EU’s Global Gateway
initiative and the bloc’s support for infrastructure development
and “soft connectivity.”
IFC Regional Manager for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Neil McKain
said businesses need not only infrastructure but also effective
coordination, predictable transportation services and competitive
logistics.
Participants worked in thematic groups to identify key barriers
along the Trans-Caspian route and develop practical proposals for
addressing them through regulatory and other reforms.
The seminar was held as part of efforts to strengthen
cooperation between Uzbekistan, the EU, and the private sector on
improving the corridor’s connectivity and facilitating trade
between Central Asia and European markets.
