The heads of the railway departments of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan held a bilateral meeting within the framework of the 81st session of the Council for Rail Transport of CIS countries, where they discussed prospects and tasks for cooperation in the field of transport infrastructure, reports the portal nCa.net.
The parties examined in detail the opportunities for increasing freight traffic, tariff policy issues, and plans for modernizing rolling stock, as well as discussed joint steps to strengthen the transit potential of both countries.
Main Directions of Cooperation
The key topic of the negotiations was the development of transit shipments through the territories of both countries, which opens up prospects for accelerating trade between Central Asian countries and other regions such as the Caucasus and Europe.
Both parties expressed their intention to enhance the efficiency of freight transportation through tariff optimization and simplification of logistics processes.
This will make transit through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan more competitive, especially in light of the increased interest in the “North-South” corridor connecting Russia, Iran, and Southeast Asian countries, reports Eurasiatoday.ru.
Current Railway Departments and Projects
In Uzbekistan, railway transportation is managed by the national company “Uzbekiston Temir Yullari” (Uzbekistan Railways), which has been operating the country's railway network for 30 years and actively developing domestic and international routes.
The company is currently implementing large-scale projects to modernize railway infrastructure and introduce high-speed lines. One of the major projects is the upgrade of the “Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman” transport corridor to expand trade links and improve logistics between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
In Turkmenistan, the railway sector is represented by the agency “Turkmen Railways” (Türkmendemirýollary), which is also actively working on improving the country’s transport infrastructure.
One of the agency’s priority projects is the construction of a new railway section in the direction of “Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan,” aimed at strengthening ties with neighboring countries and improving access to international markets.
Agreements and Next Steps
Following the meeting, the Uzbek and Turkmen sides agreed on the implementation of competitive tariffs and optimization of wagon park use, which will help reduce transport costs and stimulate trade and economic relations in the region.
Additionally, the parties outlined plans to improve transit potential, agreeing on measures to reduce delays and increase the capacity of the railway network.
At the end of the meeting, representatives of Turkmenistan congratulated “Uzbekiston Temir Yullari” on its 30th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of further developing the partnership and strengthening cooperation in railway transportation to create sustainable and mutually beneficial transport links in the region.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 8, 2024