Railway transport is the most important strategic sector of Tajikistan, said Tajikistan's Minister of Transport Azim Ibrohim, Asia Plus reports.
Speaking at the session "Development of Multimodal International Transport Corridors Passing Through Asian and Middle Eastern Countries" in Kazan during the XV International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum," the minister noted that railway transport "plays a vital role in meeting the needs of the national economy and the population for cargo and passenger transportation."
He emphasized that more than 70% of the country's import and export goods are transported by railway.
According to the minister, more than 10 significant development projects in the railway sector are currently prepared, with around $7.5 billion planned for their implementation.
Azim Ibrohim also reported that 10 priority trade and transit corridors have been identified in the republic, crossing its territory from East to West and from North to South.
"Special attention is given to the development of Tajikistan's economic and transport multimodal corridors, connecting Southeast Asian countries with Central Asia, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and other European countries, providing access to seaports," he said.
Active work is being done to effectively utilize the "Tajikistan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey" corridor, which has the advantage of providing the shortest route from the Chinese border through the territories of Tajikistan and the aforementioned countries, promoting regional economic integration."
He explained that this corridor links China with the "North-South" route countries, connecting the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf with the Caspian Sea through Iran.
Azim Ibrohim emphasized that the "North-South" route ensures the development of uninterrupted, timely, and efficient movement of goods between the countries of the region.
"Tajikistan, recognizing the importance of this route, decided to join it in 2004," Ibrohim added.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 23, 2024