On 15 October 2026, on the sidelines of the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Transport in Astana, the ECO Secretariat organized a “Dialogue with the Private Sector on Digitalization and Financing of the ECO Transport Sector.” The event brought together senior government officials, international organizations, and private-sector representatives to discuss ways to strengthen regional transport connectivity, promote digital transformation, and mobilize financing for transport infrastructure and corridor development.
The Dialogue was moderated by Ambassador Silapberdi Nurberdiyev, Deputy Secretary General of ECO. It featured the participation of Dr. Asad M. Khan, Secretary General of ECO; Mr. Damir Kozhakhmetov, Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Mr. Vadim Zaharenko, Head of the IRU Permanent Representation in Eurasia; and Ms. Ayimgul Abileva, President of the IT Association of Kazakhstan.
In his remarks, Dr. Asad M. Khan highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening regional transport connectivity, accelerating digitalization, and mobilizing investment to unlock the full potential of the ECO region’s transport corridors. He emphasized the need for closer cooperation among Member States, international financial institutions, and the private sector to address infrastructure and financing challenges and promote more efficient, integrated, and competitive transport networks.
The ECO Secretary General also highlighted ongoing regional cooperation initiatives, including the development of Joint Trade Zones (JTZs). He further referred to the planned International Financing Conference on ECO Transport Corridors and Projects in 2027 as an important opportunity to mobilize investment, strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions, and advance the development of regional transport infrastructure.
The discussions focused on the role of digitalization in improving transport efficiency, facilitating cross-border procedures, enhancing the interoperability of transport and customs systems, and strengthening the competitiveness of regional transport corridors. Participants also exchanged views on financing transport infrastructure, encouraging private-sector investment, and fostering stronger partnerships between governments, international organizations, and businesses.
The Dialogue highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation in advancing regional connectivity and developing efficient, sustainable, and digitally integrated transport networks across the ECO region. It also provided a platform for exchanging practical proposals and identifying opportunities for closer collaboration in support of the ECO Transport Strategy 2026–2035 and the implementation of regional transport priorities.
The initiative reaffirmed ECO’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, engaging the private sector, and advancing innovative solutions to strengthen transport connectivity and facilitate trade and transit across its Member States.
The Ministers of transport and high-level officials from thr ECO Member States in their concluding document, the “Astana Declaration” issued on 15 October 2026 welcomed this joint initiative of the ECO Secretariat and Kazakhstan.
