BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 15. A newly launched coordination platform aims to drive the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) by bringing together key stakeholders to enhance cooperation, the press office of the European Commission told Trend.
"The platform gathers all stakeholders concerned with developing the infrastructure, as well as the necessary regulatory frameworks and cross-border collaboration. In this way, it establishes an appropriate forum for stakeholders to transparently assess and advance priority projects in a coordinated way, create synergies, and join forces," the commission's spokesperson said.
In addition to fostering collaboration, the platform seeks to ensure efficient project development and resource allocation.
"The coordination platform aims to put in place a mechanism to monitor progress, as well as facilitate and enhance cooperation between donors and recipient countries to ensure coordinated investments for the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which is supported by the European Union as part of its Global Gateway investment strategy," the press office stated.
A key outcome of the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity in Brussels in January 2024 was the establishment of this platform. At the forum, European and international financial institutions pledged 10 billion euros to support sustainable transport connectivity in Central Asia.
The launch of the platform took place at a high-level event in Ashgabat on October 3, following the official visit of the EU delegation led by Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. This event marks a significant step forward in the development of the region’s transport infrastructure.