BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 11

Tendency:

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are creating a transport and logistics route, reports Trend via Kazakh Samruk-Kazyna JSC.

The issue was discussed at meetings of the Kazakh delegation headed by JSC Board Chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev with a number of Azerbaijani government officials.

The main topic of discussion was the plan to create a joint venture (JV) to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). The new joint venture will solve pricing and freight reporting issues, apply unified IT solutions and consolidate freight in transit on the mentioned route.

During the talks, representatives of the Kazakh delegation noted the relevance of redirecting export cargo flows from Kazakhstan to Europe along the TITR. The parties pointed to significant potential for cooperation in the field of oil transportation through Azerbaijan, which could become an alternative to existing routes.

The Kazakh delegation also met with Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev. During the meeting, discussions were held on the unification of transport tariffs along the corridor, the synchronization of customs procedures to increase the volume of transport of goods along the international transport corridors crossing the countries.

The meeting participants noted that the events unfolding in the region and the geopolitical situation have created a new reality. There is already a risk that demand exceeds supply, and these factors will eventually affect the end consumer. The cost of delivery and the waiting time will increase. This reality requires reflection on a new cooperation framework and the establishment of transit and transport communications.

Furthermore, the parties underlined that the geographical features of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan – their location between the largest economic centers of Europe and Asia – create real preconditions for ensuring an efficient and well-established transport network Between the countries.

An additional impetus for the development of the route was the completion of the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line. This reduced the delivery time from China to Turkey via Kazakhstan to 12 days.

As a result of the meeting, a protocol on the establishment of a joint venture and the implementation of transport and logistics activities was signed between Samruk-Kazyna JSC and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.