Oriented on making people closer

This was stated by the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Asad Majid Khan, in an exclusive 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 transport initiatives. ECO is strengthening cooperation with Turkmenistan in the field of transport and transit by promoting key infrastructure projects, simplifying transit procedures, and improving policy coordination,” said the Secretary General.

According to him, ECO aims to optimize existing transit corridors such as the Tejen-Serakhs-Mashhad and Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway routes, while also exploring new initiatives to enhance multimodal transport networks.

“Future efforts will focus on integrating these routes into the broader ECO transport system, facilitating smoother trade flows and strengthening regional economic ties. These ECO efforts are aimed at developing regional cooperation, ensuring sustainable and efficient transit connections, and reinforcing Turkmenistan’s key role in developing the region’s transport and trade networks,” he said.

Asad Majid Khan also noted that over the years of cooperation, agreements and key decisions have been made to strengthen regional integration and maximize the region’s economic potential. “I recently had a very productive meeting with Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, where we discussed concrete steps to deepen our cooperation,” he added. The Secretary General highlighted that the development of the East-West transport corridor (Trans-Asian Railway) remains a priority for ECO.

“This corridor connects the Persian Gulf ports with Central Asia, contributing to the development of trade between East and West. An important part of this corridor is the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail-road route, which strengthens ties and trade between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, as well as the entire ECO region. This route promotes faster, cheaper, and more reliable transportation of goods,” he said. The Secretary General also mentioned that the North-South transport corridor is another key area for development within ECO.

“This route connects Central Asian countries with Persian Gulf ports, improving connectivity between northern and southern regions. The development of this corridor aims to enhance trade routes and economic ties among member states,” he added. The Secretary General stated that ECO is actively developing and improving these key transport corridors to enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade among member states. These initiatives are designed to strengthen economic integration and support sustainable development across the region.

“Given the strategic location of the ECO region between Asia and Europe, seamless transport networks are essential, especially for landlocked countries, to overcome geographical challenges and unlock economic potential,” he noted. Asad Majid Khan further added that the ECO Secretariat has initiated studies aimed at identifying and strengthening regional transport corridors and border crossings. The results of these studies are expected to form the basis for improving cross-border trade and supporting sustainable economic growth in the ECO region.

“ECO is focused on developing transport and communication infrastructure that connects member states with each other and the rest of the world. This includes the development of modern transport infrastructure, secure cross-border transit, digital procedures, and integrated road, rail, sea, and air networks,” he said.

Additionally, the Secretary General emphasized that ECO seeks to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in implementing the Framework Agreement on Transit Transport. “Given Turkmenistan’s strategic geographic position, it plays a key role in developing trade, as well as communication and energy cooperation within ECO. Turkmenistan holds a strong trade position in ECO, and its economy and trade in the region continue to grow. In this regard, the organization aims for broader and deeper cooperation with Turkmenistan within the framework of the ECO Trade Agreement and the ECO Framework Agreement on Transit Transport,” he said.

Asad Majid Khan stressed that Turkmenistan, as an active member of the organization, also supports the development of cross-border trade zones in the region. “Turkmenistan proposed conducting a feasibility study to create a joint border zone with Iran, following the successful model of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border zones, aiming to expand regional trade. We are working closely with Turkmenistan and actively developing this model to assess its applicability in other countries of the region,” he noted.

The ECO Secretary General emphasized that upgrading infrastructure within these projects will help attract investment to Turkmenistan and diversify its economy, which currently relies heavily on the energy sector. He also mentioned that the Framework Agreement on Transit Transport, in effect since 2006, forms the legal foundation for ECO’s transport and transit cooperation. Its goal is to optimize administrative procedures, simplify customs and border processes, reduce delays and costs, improve visa regulations for drivers and transport personnel, and harmonize rules with international standards such as the TIR and e-TIR systems. The agreement aims to enhance regional connectivity through key transport corridors and remove non-physical barriers. Asad Majid Khan noted that the ECO Trade Agreement will also play an important role in the future development of the region, especially in promoting economic integration, stimulating bilateral trade, and strengthening transport networks.

“Reducing tariffs and trade barriers could lead to increased trade flows between countries and create a more integrated regional economy. This will make it easier for countries to access each other’s markets and diversify their export portfolios. The agreements stimulate bilateral trade, improving the economic efficiency of goods and services exchange,” he said. According to the Secretary General, within the framework of expanding communication capabilities, the agreements could promote the development of multimodal transport solutions (a combination of road, rail, and sea transport) for more efficient trade routes in the region.

“Overall, the Framework Agreement on Transit Transport and the Trade Agreement open up great prospects for expanding bilateral trade, improving transport networks, and deepening regional integration. Over time, this may lead to a more interconnected and prosperous region, although success will depend on resolving logistical challenges,” said Asad Majid Khan. Furthermore, the Secretary General noted that ECO aims to improve border infrastructure and simplify customs processes to facilitate regional trade and connectivity.

“Our efforts are focused on modernization, digitalization, and harmonization of policies to create more efficient and ‘smoother’ cross-border movement. Key initiatives include ECO-TIR, ECO Gate, the Freight Forwarders Association, and other projects aimed at reducing delays, lowering costs, and strengthening economic integration in the region,” he said. Asad Majid Khan also emphasized that under the leadership of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the country is implementing a comprehensive approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Achieving the SDGs in the region is our top priority. Unfortunately, limited progress has been made, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and certain geopolitical events that later hindered global economic prospects,” said the Secretary General. He noted that on April 28-29 this year, Turkmenistan will host the first ECO Sustainable Development Forum in the city of Arkadag, aimed at addressing challenges and finding solutions to achieve the SDGs in the ECO region by 2030. He emphasized that this is a long-overdue discussion within ECO and is therefore very timely.

Photo: Trend.az