"The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is a game-changer for trade, as it can significantly increase trade volumes and reduce transit times," Jozef Sikela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships said, in an exclusive interview with ORIENT.

This topic was one of the key ones on the agenda of the European Commissioner's strategic visit to Turkmenistan, reaffirming the EU's commitment to expanding cooperation within the framework of the Global Gateway strategy.

The visit focused on the EU's role in strengthening Turkmenistan's integration into regional and global economic networks, particularly in the areas of transport connectivity, renewable energy and trade facilitation.

The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, a key element of the Global Gateway initiative, was one of the main topics of discussions with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Deputy Prime Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov. Commissioner Sikela reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Turkmenistan’s key role in this strategic corridor, which strengthens the connection between Central Asia and Europe.

He also visited the important trade hub of Turkmenbashi Port, where he met with Mammetkhan Chakiyev, Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers. Sikela reiterated the EU’s interest in supporting the modernization of infrastructure and the alignment of standards and legislation.

“We see Turkmenistan as a key partner for strengthening the links between Europe and Central Asia. Working together within the Global Gateway initiative, especially through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, we are creating faster and safer trade routes that will open up new business opportunities, attract investment and create jobs. Our joint efforts aim to shorten the trade route between Europe and Asia to just 15 days, while helping Turkmenistan become an important hub for trade between Asia and Europe,” these words of Jozefa Sikela are quoted in the press release of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan.

ORIENT