On June 12 in Astana, the European Commission and Kazakhstan launched the Coordination Platform of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, the Coordination Platform will improve the safety and sustainability of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and will turn the corridor into a multimodal and competitive route linking Europe and Asia in 15 days or less.
The launch event was attended by representatives of Central Asian countries and other states along the corridor, as well as international financial institutions and non-EU G7 countries.
Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, said at the event: “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 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 Kazakh minister also expressed gratitude to the European Union for its 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.”
Ms. Maja Bakran, Deputy Director General for Mobility and Transport at the 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 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.
Photo: Kazakhstan Ministry of Transport
