Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Prospects for developing the Middle Corridor, improving freight transport efficiency and expanding regional transport links were discussed at the international NEW SILK WAY business forum.
The forum featured a panel session on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and efforts to increase its transit capacity. Participants included representatives of the transport authorities of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the World Bank and the business community.
Uzbekistan was represented by Bekzod Kholmatov, director of the Centre for Transport and Logistics Development Studies under the Ministry of Transport. Kazakhstan was represented by Nurzhan Kelbuganov, chairman of the Committee for Railway and Water Transport at the Ministry of Transport. Andrey Mikhnev, the World Bank’s country director for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, also took part in the discussion.
The session, organised by the World Bank, focused on improving the quality of transport and logistics services, simplifying border procedures, facilitating international trade and strengthening transport links between countries in the region. Participants were also presented with a World Bank report on the development of trade logistics along the Trans-Caspian transport corridor.
Particular attention was given to the digitalisation of freight transport, the introduction of electronic document management and the integration of information systems used by railway administrations. These measures are seen as ways to improve the efficiency of international freight operations.
Participants noted that further development of the Middle Corridor requires not only infrastructure expansion but also improvements in the reliability, regularity and competitiveness of transport services.
