14 May 2025, Tashkent
The 7th Meeting of the ECO-UNECE Coordination Committee on the Trans-Caspian and Almaty–Tehran–Istanbul Corridors took place in Tashkent on 13-14 May 2025, with participation from representatives of all eight Committee member states. The ECO Secretariat has been represented by Mr. Alireza Mahmoudi, Director for Transport and Communications.
The meeting focused on operationalizing regional transport corridors, addressing infrastructure renewal needs, enhancing data flows during multimodal transport operations, and harmonizing transport documentation to support cross-border trade and logistics integration across the ECO region.
It also addressed key operational and digital aspects of corridor management, including a simulation of data and information flows during multimodal transport operations along segments of the Trans-Caspian routes, offering valuable insights into practical bottlenecks and opportunities for improving real-time coordination and information sharing. Furthermore, it examined the various types of transport documents currently used across the corridors, aiming to identify concrete opportunities for harmonization, simplification, and digitalization to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens on carriers and border agencies.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Mahmoudi underscored the strategic importance of the corridors in promoting sustainable, resilient, and seamless regional connectivity. He has mentioned that the sessions of the meeting reflect not only the operational realities on the ground, but also the strategic foresight required to unlock the full potential of the corridors promoted jointly. He also highlighted the upcoming 3rd United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, scheduled for August 2025, as a major milestone for the region.
In addition to the main sessions, a technical workshop on the safety of transporting and handling containers and other cargo transport units (CTUs) will be held back-to-back with the meeting. The workshop will provide stakeholders with best practices and policy guidance on improving transport safety and reducing operational risks.
The ECO Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNECE and all member countries to ensure continued progress in infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and digital transport solutions.
