(Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan) The integration of operational networks between maritime, railways, and roads enables the ECO region to take on a quantum leap as all necessary resources are embedded in the Great Silk Road, says the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organzation, Halil Ibrahim Akca.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the International Forum “Great Silk Road ,“ Path to New Development Highs” on May 2, 2018, Ambassador Akca said that through strengthened regional infrastructure, logistics, and efficient transit services, transport systems in the region can act as a tool for improving the socio-economic conditions of the people of the region.
During the XIII ECO Summit in Islamabad the Heads of States of the Member States supported “ECO Vision 2025” as a roadmap for near future development of the region by committing to doubling the intra-trade, enhancing energy security and maximizing mobility and accessibility of ECO transport corridors through fast operationalizing them, he added.
The forum organized by the Government of the Republic of Turkmenistan, was inaugurated by President of the Republic of Turkmenistan, Gurbangyly Berdymukhamedov who noted that the opening of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, which took place in the framework of the forum, has an important role to play at regional and global levels. The Great Silk Road has ever been a vital artery linking the peoples of West, Asia, and Europe by promoting the universal principles of mutual respect, equality, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, he added.
The new $1.5 billion facility promises to become an important link in the formation of a modern system of maritime transport across the Caspian, the President said. He added that his government is offering use of the port to neighboring countries, including the other Central Asian republics.
The Turkmenbashi International Seaport is the main passenger harbor and cargo port in eastern Turkmenistan. As the largest seaport of the country, construction of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport began in August 2013. The new port covers an area of ,‹,‹about 375 acres and includes ferry, passenger and cargo terminals, with 1.1 miles of berths designed to serve 17 vessels at once.
