The launch of the coordination platform for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) took place in Astana on June 12. This platform, hosted by the European Commission and Kazakhstan, aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. It will transform the corridor into a multimodal and competitive route, connecting Europe and Asia in 15 days or less.
The Platform will promote the corridor and coordinate the implementation of priority hard and soft infrastructure projects in Central Asia. The corridor’s benefits include reduced transportation time, increased trade volume, and improved regional connectivity. It will also facilitate and coordinate investments in rail, road, and port infrastructure.
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. The platform brings together donors, investors, stakeholders, and beneficiaries including the Central Asian states, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, the European Commission, European Union (EU) member states, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. Each entity has a specific role in the platform, such as mapping ongoing and planned initiatives, identifying soft infrastructure projects, monitoring project progress, and coordinating technical assistance.
Addressing the event, Marat Karabayev, the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, explained that the development of transport infrastructure and strengthening of transport links play a critical role in the region’s economic growth and prosperity.
“The establishment of the Coordination Platform provides us with a unique opportunity to join forces and 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. He expressed gratitude to the European Union for its invaluable support and efforts to develop Central Asian countries, emphasising the EU’s significant role in this process.
Henrik Hololei, Hors-Classe Adviser at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships in the European Commission, emphasised that sustainable transport connections facilitated by the Coordination Platform are crucial for consolidating the region’s economic growth and strengthening its connectivity with Europe. He further added that the EC is committed to supporting its partners in achieving their development and environmental goals through this platform.
“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,” said Henrik Hololei.
Ms. Maja Bakran, Deputy Director General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission, stressed that the Coordination Platform would 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, underscoring the crucial role of the audience in this endeavour.
“The coordination efforts among the various stakeholders will drive forward deeper connections and contribute to sustainable economic development of the region,” she said.
