An Ocean of Opportunities Without the Sea: How Central Asia Turns Geography Into Strength
Uzbekistan is actively developing Central Asia’s transport and transit potential, demonstrating that the lack of direct access to the sea does not hinder progress. Through strategic infrastructure projects and international cooperation, the country aims to reduce logistics costs and increase competitiveness.
In an article by Dildora Ibragimova, Head of the Department at the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, it is noted that the absence of seaports traditionally increases transportation costs for landlocked countries and limits their integration into global supply chains.
In Central Asia, landlocked countries account for less than 1% of global exports. In Uzbekistan, transportation costs can reach up to 60% of the total value of goods—significantly higher than the global average of 11%.
In response to these challenges, Uzbekistan is implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction of the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" and "Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan" railways. These corridors will create the shortest routes for cargo transit between China, Europe, South, and Southeast Asia. Experts estimate that these new rail corridors will shorten distances, reduce delivery times, and cut transportation costs by up to three times.
In addition, the country is adopting modern digital technologies to optimize transport processes. Since 2012, Uzbekistan has been digitalizing the TIR system, including the implementation of e-TIR projects and electronic permit exchanges for international freight transport with Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan. These initiatives facilitate streamlined customs procedures and smoother border crossings.
The article also emphasizes the importance of diversifying international transport corridors. Notable among them are the "China–Central Asia–Caucasus–Europe" route and the "CIS countries–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan" corridor with access to the Indian Ocean. These routes will significantly expand trade opportunities between Europe, Asia, and South Asia.
Among the key priorities are the creation of unified transport regulations, the standardization of shipping documents, and the development of digital platforms for remote transport services. These efforts aim to eliminate barriers to regional transport integration.
A vital component of the strategy is the promotion of containerization, which—when combined with digital technologies—will help reduce delivery times and costs, thereby improving the efficiency of international trade.
For the further development of its transport system, Uzbekistan proposes focusing on the implementation of railway corridor projects, digitalization of international transport, harmonization of customs procedures, and enhancement of knowledge exchange in the field of logistics.
According to Dildora Ibragimova, the integration of transport systems and infrastructure cooperation with neighboring countries—including Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, and CIS member states—is significantly strengthening the region’s transit potential and contributing to sustainable economic development.
ORIENT
