In Tashkent on September 22, Uzbekistan and the European Union held a seminar dedicated to discussing priority reforms for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TITR). Representatives of the private sector of Uzbekistan participated in the event.
This event was organized by the European Union in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as part of the TITR Coordination Platform.
The discussion included Bekzod Kholmatov, Director of the Center for Transport and Logistics Development Research at the Ministry of Transport, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar, and Neil McCain, IFC Regional Manager for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Kholmatov noted the increasing significance of TITR for Uzbekistan's trade turnover with the European Union, emphasizing that the corridor's share has increased from 12% to 28% over the last five years. He also pointed out persistent obstacles along the route that require practical solutions, and highlighted the Ministry of Transport's focus on the importance of direct dialogue with businesses to determine necessary measures.
Toivo Klaar stressed the strategic importance of TITR within the Global Gateway initiative and confirmed the European Union's support for infrastructure development and ensuring 'soft' connectivity.
For his part, Neil McCain stated that market participants require not only an increase in infrastructure capacity. He also considers effective coordination, transport predictability, and competitive logistics services to be necessary.
During thematic working groups, business representatives and other stakeholders examined the main barriers that still exist along the TITR. Following discussions, participants developed concrete proposals to eliminate these obstacles and implement the required reforms.


