00:00A new set of infrastructure commitments is set to accelerate development of the Trans-Caspian
00:08Transport Corridor, the route linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
00:13The corridor has become one of the fastest-growing alternatives to traditional east-west trade routes,
00:19while reducing dependence on vulnerable or politically risky routes.
00:23During the Trans-Caspian Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum that took place in Tashkent,
00:28governments, investors and international lenders gathered to push the project into its next phase.
00:34This is important for the European Union because we need new partnerships
00:39and we also are seeking new business opportunities for our companies on the field of trade, energy and transport.
00:49There are many, many possibilities.
00:51This new route which we will establish could really, really raise up all the economy growth,
01:00the trade between Europe and Central Asia.
01:03The European Commission says investment must be matched with reforms.
01:07Brussels wants fast digital systems, modern logistics hubs and predictable border procedures.
01:13Trans-Caspian Corridor can become one of the global major infrastructure projects worldwide.
01:22And if we are successful means in properly investing in the transport connectivity in the roads,
01:30then we can triple it until 2030 and we can increase it five times until 2040.
01:37The EU and its partners announced a series of transport, energy and governance investments
01:43to strengthen the Trans-Caspian transport corridor.
01:46These include 15 million euros for trade facilitation, customs reforms
01:50and 5 million euros in additional EBRZ-backed technical work focused on low-carbon transport.
01:56We are modernizing our infrastructure, building new corridors, liberalizing our policies,
02:03synchronizing our digital systems and platforms where all of the participants are speaking in one language
02:09so that we have very fast-friendly time, sustainable as well as affordable transport services.
02:17Beyond transport, the EU will provide 1 million euros to strengthen public finance systems across 21 countries.
02:25For policymakers and investors, the priority is clear.
02:29Move from discussion to real implementation of the Trans-Caspian Corridor.
02:33Martha Kost stresses that investment depends on reforms, from fast digitalization to stronger roads,
02:39modern logistics hubs and more capacity in ports and rail.
02:43For the EU, this corridor is part of a broader effort to reconnect Europe and Central Asia
02:48through reliable, sustainable infrastructure that can open new opportunities for trade and investment.
02:54Roshana Lekvarva, Euronews, Tashkint.
