The relationship of transport and logistics is an effective lever in the global economy: John McGregor
The global pandemic and growing pressure on global supply chains and transit routes have exacerbated some of the problems and affected the economies of landlocked countries in Central Asia. However, the development of the Middle Corridor, a multi-lateral multimodal transport route connecting the freight networks of China and the European Union through the facilities and economies of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkey and Eastern Europe, is potentially transformative for the economies of Central Asia, the Caucasus and beyond, Ambassador John McGregor, Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat said, speaking on Wednesday at the “International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development-2023” conference.
This topic has been the focus of the OSCE “Green Port Promotion and Connectivity” project, which will benefit seaports in the Caspian and Black Sea regions, as well as promoting the use of sustainable connectivity, upgrading their ports, land logistics hubs, encouraging the use of green energy and expanding empowerment of women in the logistics sector.
The OSCE provides a key political platform and the beneficiary countries, as a steering committee, have full responsibility for the project. And here all five Central Asian states share the political readiness to increase their trade and transport cooperation in the region and beyond.
Upgrading transport corridors is important for stakeholders to track their cargo or trucks to avoid long queues at border crossings, logistics centers and ports, while reducing emissions and contributing to climate change mitigation. And here a practical guide on the facilitation of border procedures and cross-border transportation, developed by the OSCE jointly with the UNECE, will be a significant help, the diplomat noted.
This document will become the basis for further practical work in conducting trainings and seminars for employees of customs and border services. An increased focus on sustainable transport ensures that trade around the world can continue, boosting post-pandemic global economic growth.
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