(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 19. The Trans-Caspian
International transport Route has the potential to handle more
land-based between Europe and Asia, Peter Stano, Lead spokesperson
for foreign affairs and security policy at the European Commission,
told Trend in an
exclusive interview.
Drawing from Europe's extensive experience, he stressed the
importance of a regional approach in developing transport
connections to ensure sustainable economic growth. "Our experience
in Europe tells us that developing transport connections must be
based on a regional approach if they are to contribute to
sustainable economic development".
The Central Trans-Caspian corridor, according to Stano, holds
significant potential for boosting land-based trade between Europe
and Asia. "The corridor has the potential to handle more land-based
trade between Europe and Asia, once bottlenecks, capacity
shortages, and other connectivity issues, including soft
connectivity, are adequately addressed".
Further speaking, the Commission's spokesperson added that, as
part of the EU's Global Gateway initiative, a study on sustainable
transport corridors was financed, focusing on connecting the
extended Trans-European Transport Network with the five countries
of Central Asia. "This comprehensive study, published in June 2023,
laid the groundwork for enhancing the operational efficiency and
economic attractiveness of the Central Trans-Caspian Network,
encompassing major production and population centers in Central
Asia".
"The diversification of trade routes has been on the table for
quite some time," Stano explained, noting that, following
Russia-Ukraine war, there is an increased urgency to identify
alternative, reliable, and efficient trade routes between Europe
and Asia that do not pass through Russia. In this regard, the EU
wants to be 'a reliable and predictable partner in a rapidly
changing world'.
The importance of transport connectivity was a key topic at the
EU-Central Asia Ministerial held on 23 October 2023 in Luxembourg.
Stano highlighted that the conversation continued from a successful
conference on connectivity in Samarkand in November 2022. The
Global Gateway Forum in Brussels on 25-26 October 2023 further
demonstrated the EU's strong commitment to transport connectivity.
"These events underscored our dedication to developing a robust
transport network," he noted.
The momentum carried into the Investors' Forum on 29-30 January
2024, where private businesses and International Financial
Institutions discussed operational steps for implementing the
Study's findings. "Our engagement with the private sector and
financial institutions is crucial for translating our strategic
plans into tangible results," Stano emphasized.
On 12 June 2024, the EU launched a Coordination Platform in
Astana to monitor progress and facilitate cooperation on the
Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. "This platform is a pivotal step
in ensuring continuous collaboration and progress," Stano said. He
also announced that by the end of the year, the EU will adopt a
Prosperity Programme aimed at enhancing cross-border coordination
and interoperability across Central Asian countries, fostering
business connectivity along this strategic corridor.
By addressing key infrastructure and connectivity challenges,
the EU aims to create a robust and sustainable transport network
that will drive economic growth and regional stability in Central
Asia. "We are committed to making this vision a reality and look
forward to continued collaboration with our partners in Central
Asia," Stano concluded.
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