Turkmenistan’s role in regional cooperation, particularly its strategic position in regional transport initiatives, was highly praised by the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Asad Majid Khan, in an interview with Trend.
"As a strategic hub at the crossroads of major trade routes, Turkmenistan plays a key role in regional connectivity and actively participates in ECO’s transport initiatives. ECO is strengthening cooperation with Turkmenistan in the fields of transport and transit by promoting key infrastructure projects, simplifying transit procedures, and improving policy coordination," he stated.
The Secretary General noted that the organization is focused on modernizing existing routes—such as Tejen-Serakhs-Mashhad and Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran—and exploring new multimodal solutions.
"Future efforts will be aimed at integrating these routes into ECO’s broader transport system, facilitating smoother trade flows, and strengthening regional economic ties. These ECO initiatives are directed at fostering regional cooperation, ensuring sustainable and efficient transit communication, and reinforcing Turkmenistan’s key role in developing transport and trade networks in the region," he emphasized.
Development of East-West and North-South Corridors
Asad Majid Khan stated that ECO is actively working on the development of the East-West and North-South transport corridors:
"This corridor connects the Persian Gulf ports with Central Asia, fostering trade between East and West. An essential part of this corridor is the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway and road route, which enhances connectivity and trade between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, as well as the entire ECO region.
This route facilitates faster, cheaper, and more reliable transportation of goods," he added.
Special Focus on Landlocked Countries
Special attention is being given to landlocked countries:
"Given ECO’s strategic position between Asia and Europe, barrier-free transport networks are essential, especially for landlocked countries, to help them overcome geographical challenges and unlock economic potential," said Asad Majid Khan.
The Secretary General emphasized that ECO will continue cooperation with Turkmenistan within the Framework Agreement on Transit Transport, aimed at optimizing logistics and eliminating barriers:
"Considering Turkmenistan’s strategic geographical location, it plays a crucial role in the development of trade, communications, and energy cooperation within ECO. Turkmenistan holds a strong trade position in ECO, with its economy and trade in the region growing steadily. Therefore, ECO seeks deeper engagement with Turkmenistan in implementing the ECO Trade Agreement and the ECO Framework Agreement on Transit Transport," he noted.
Proposal for a Joint Border Trade Zone with Iran
Turkmenistan has also proposed the creation of a joint border trade zone with Iran:
"Turkmenistan suggested conducting a technical and economic feasibility study for establishing a joint border zone with Iran, similar to the successful Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border zones, to expand regional trade. We are working closely with Turkmenistan on this model to assess its potential application in other countries of the region," said the Secretary General.
He emphasized that modernizing infrastructure and simplifying border procedures will help attract investment and diversify the country’s economy.
"Our efforts are focused on modernization, digitalization, and policy harmonization to create more efficient and seamless cross-border movement. Key initiatives include ECO-TIR, ECO Gate, and the Freight Forwarders Association, among others, which aim to reduce delays, lower costs, and strengthen economic integration in the region," he added.
Turkmenistan to Host ECO Sustainable Development Forum
In conclusion, Asad Majid Khan noted that Turkmenistan is actively involved in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will host a major regional event:
"On April 28-29, 2025, Turkmenistan will host the first ECO Sustainable Development Forum in the city of Arkadag. This event will focus on addressing challenges and finding solutions to achieve the SDGs in the ECO region by 2030," he stated.
According to him, the Forum will bring together ECO member states, businesses, and international organizations to discuss innovative strategies for accelerating progress in the region.
"It is expected that the Forum will strengthen regional cooperation, promote the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions, and facilitate knowledge exchange among ECO member states. Additionally, it will focus on enhancing financing mechanisms for SDG implementation, promoting digital inclusion, engaging the private sector, and addressing climate change and disaster risk reduction," concluded Asad Majid Khan.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 13, 2025