Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Representatives of Uzbekistan, the European Union, international financial institutions, development partners and the private sector discussed investment and reforms to strengthen the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The meeting was held in Tashkent on 30 September as part of the second National Conference on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
The conference was co-chaired by Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister Ilhom Makhkamov and Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships.
The main focus was on infrastructure development, project preparation and practical measures to improve the corridor’s efficiency and competitiveness.
Participants reviewed investment in rail and road infrastructure, the readiness of priority projects, financing needs and the reforms required.
The conference also featured the World Bank’s 2026 flagship publication on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The report proposes a corridor-wide approach to identifying national investment priorities.
A separate session focused on the role of logistics centres and services in connecting national production and trade with the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Participants discussed business conditions and measures that could encourage investment.
Digitalisation issues were considered in light of the need for cross-border exchange of transport and trade documents. In particular, discussions covered the introduction of eTIR, eCMR and electronic certificates of origin, the interoperability of digital systems and the use of international standards.
Private-sector representatives presented recommendations and proposals for projects. The participants also discussed the establishment of a Private Sector Advisory Committee (PSAC), which could serve as a mechanism for business participation in policy dialogue on the development of the corridor.
“As the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor moves from ambitious plans to implementation, today’s conference is focused on turning shared priorities into concrete projects, closer coordination and real investment,” Peteris Ustubs said.
According to him, for the EU, the corridor is not only a transport route but also a platform for partnership, sustainable growth and stronger regional cooperation between Europe and Central Asia.
The conference is being held as part of the EU-funded Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Coordination Platform, implemented under the EU Global Gateway strategy.
The platform provides consultation and coordination among the five Central Asian countries, the EU, international financial institutions and other partners.
Further work will focus on preparing priority projects and measures to improve the corridor’s efficiency and competitiveness.
