Askar Abdrakhmanov attended the International Transport Forum Day at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Headquarters on June 20.
In his presentation entitled “Connectivity in Times of Crisis”, Ambassador Abdrakhmanov focused primarily on Kazakhstan’s efforts to further develop its international freight transportation and transport infrastructure, as well as Astana’s efforts at developing transport cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Abdrakhmanov emphasized the potential of old and new routes. He highlighted the construction of a second track on the Dostyk – Moynty rail line on the Kazakhstan-China border, a container port and dredging project at Aktau, Kuryk, a new Darbaza – Maktaral railway with access to the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean and Turkmenistan via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as a new Darbaza
Special attention was given to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor. He emphasized the importance the recent joint venture between Central Asian countries, the South Caucasus and the European Commission to establish a single unified operation for cargo transportation along Middle Corridor.
The Kazakh diplomat stated that the current geopolitical environment has created new logistical and economic challenges for Kazakhstan, as well as other countries in the area. The solution lies in a closer partnership with our neighbours and partners internationally.
The International Transport Forum at the OECD, which has 69 members, is an intergovernmental organisation that serves as a think-tank for transport policy. It also organizes annual summits with transport ministers. Kazakhstan has been a member of the ITF since 2017.