Factsheet on the Launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform

Factsheet on the Launch of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform

Overview

On June 12, 2024, Kazakhstan and the European Commission hosted the launch of the
Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTR) Coordination Platform. The event was attended by representatives from Central Asian countries, states along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, international financial institutions, and non-EU G7 countries

The newly established Coordination Platform will improve the safety, sustainability, and functionality of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, making it a multimodal, competitive route linking Europe and Asia in 15 days or less.

 

Platform Objectives and Benefits

  • Promotion: The platform will promote the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
  • Coordination: It will be a Forum for regular and voluntary consultation and coordination. Efforts will be coordinated for implementing priority infrastructure projects in Central Asia.
  • Investment: The platform will boost and coordinate investments in rail, road, and port infrastructure.
  • Economic Ties: Strengthening economic ties between Europe and Central Asia.
  • Safety and Sustainability: Enhancing the safety and sustainability of transport corridors.
  • Innovation: Accelerating the introduction of innovations and advanced technologies in the transport sector.
  • Vision: A mechanism (forum) for coordination and collaboration to shape the shared vision, reduce fragmentation, and consolidate efforts to accelerate the implementation of “soft” measures, including those identified in the TCTR Joint Action Plan (see below).
  • Participants: Relevant like-minded donors, investors, stakeholders, and beneficiaries involved in the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Current participants include the European Commission and the European External Action Service, the countries of Central Asia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, EU Member States, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, G7 partners, and other donors.

 

 Main Tasks of the Coordination Platform Infrastructure

  • Identify donors, lenders, investors (incl. private sector) interested in priority projects.
  • Monitor implementation progress.
  • Establish working calendars.
  • Collect and exchange information to support progress and development of the whole Corridor.
  • Support and coordinate technical assistance for studies.

 

Soft Connectivity

  • Map ongoing and planned initiatives.
  • Develop mechanisms to identify and prioritize soft infrastructure projects.
  • Assess implementation progress.
  • Identify and coordinate twinning opportunities or similar projects.
  • Provide and/or coordinate technical assistance as required.

Draft Six-Month Work Plan

  • Establish lead contact points (from June 12).
  • Identify pilot projects for facilitation support by the Platform (July-October).
  • Ministerial level launch in Turkmenistan (October).
  • Private sector engagement plan (by the end of 2024).
  • Collaboration with US coordination mechanism on soft measures (ongoing).
  • Organisation of dedicated expert workshops (H2 2024).

 

Proposed Outcomes

  • TCTR Advisory Board and TCTR Expert Group develop mode of work for the TCTR Coordination Platform.
  • Advisory Board and Expert Group members consistently engage in meetings.
  • The Coordination Platform promotes cohesive unity and increases efficiency of soft connectivity efforts for the development of TCTR.

 

Trans-Caspian Transport Route Joint Action Plan

  • A strategic document formulated during TCTR meetings.
  • Serves as a comprehensive framework that consolidates and outlines priority soft measures that impact TCTR enhancement.
  • Focus on soft connectivity measures.
  • Coordinated with other existing roadmaps and strategic documents.
  • Remains dynamic and adaptable, capable of being updated and augmented.
  • Contains 6 sections & covers over 40 issues impacting:

 

    1. Road Cargo
    2. Rail Cargo
    3. Maritime
    4. Customs
    5. International Conventions & Agreements
    6. Intermodal

 

Significance of EU Involvement

  • The European Union has been a long-term partner in improving infrastructure and economic ties in the region.
  • Joint efforts within the platform aim to improve transport infrastructure and strengthen economic ties.

 

Key Statements from the Launch Event Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan:

  • Emphasized the critical role of transport infrastructure development in economic growth and prosperity.
  • Highlighted the importance of the Coordination Platform for sharing experiences and achieving common goals.
  • Acknowledged the involvement of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey in the initiative.
  • Expressed gratitude to the European Union for its support in developing Central Asian countries.

 

Henrik Hololei, Hors-Classe Adviser, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission:

  • Described the Coordination Platform as a significant step in bringing Central Asia and Europe closer.
  • Stressed the importance of sustainable transport connections for regional economic growth and connectivity.
  • Reaffirmed the European Commission’s commitment to supporting development and environmental goals.

 

Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan:

  • “You cannot beat geography, but you can make it work for you”.
  • Stated that there is no time to lose.
  • Emphasized that Trans-Caspian International Transport Route has major implications for sustainable development and peace in Central Asia and South Caucasus.

 

Maja Bakran, Deputy Director General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission:

  • Stated that the Coordination Platform will help make the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor a modern, competitive, and sustainable route.
  • Emphasized the role of coordination efforts in driving deeper connections and sustainable economic development.

 

Background Information on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

What is the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor?

  • The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is a key transport link connecting Europe and Asia. It spans from China through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, and onwards to European countries.

 

Why is it Being Developed?

  • The corridor is being developed to provide a faster, more efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional maritime routes. It aims to reduce transport times between Europe and Asia to 15 days or less, enhancing economic connectivity and trade between the two regions.

 

Benefits of the Corridor:

  • Multimodal Transport: Integration of rail, road, and maritime transport to create a seamless and efficient route.
  • Economic Growth: Boosts trade and economic development by providing reliable and fast transport options.
  • Sustainability: Promotes environmentally friendly transport solutions and reduces the carbon footprint of goods transport.
  • Innovation: Encourages the adoption of advanced technologies and innovations in the transport sector.
  • Regional Cooperation: Strengthens cooperation among countries along the corridor, fostering regional stability and development.

 

Strategic Importance:

  • The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is strategically important for enhancing the connectivity between Europe and Asia, providing a vital link for international trade.