Uzbekistan and five partner countries have signed a protocol to further develop the CASCA+ railway corridor, a growing transport route linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Türkiye that provides an alternative connection between Asian and European markets.
Representatives of the railway administrations of Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan met to review the corridor's performance and discuss measures to increase freight volumes, improve transit efficiency and strengthen regional cooperation.
The parties analysed the corridor's performance during 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, identifying operational bottlenecks and discussing solutions to improve logistics services and reduce transport times. Particular attention was given to developing a more competitive tariff policy and increasing the route's attractiveness to international cargo operators.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a six-party protocol outlining further cooperation and measures to expand freight traffic along the corridor.
CASCA+ (Central Asia–South Caucasus–Anatolia Plus) was established in 2019 as a platform for railway cooperation among countries located along one of the most important emerging Eurasian transport routes.
The corridor connects Central Asian producers with markets in the Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe through a combination of rail and maritime infrastructure. It has gained increasing importance in recent years as governments and businesses seek alternative trade routes capable of reducing transit times and diversifying supply chains.
According to transport officials, freight volumes transported by Uzbekistan through the corridor have increased significantly since its creation, reflecting growing demand for regional connectivity and cross-border trade.
During the latest discussions, participating countries focused on practical measures to improve the corridor's performance. These include reducing administrative barriers, shortening delivery times, improving coordination among railway operators and creating more competitive transport tariffs.
The countries also discussed ways to enhance digitalisation across the route. Previous proposals within the CASCA+ framework have included the introduction of online tracking systems for wagons and containers, as well as expanded use of refrigerated transport for agricultural exports.
Experts note that improving transport connectivity is becoming increasingly important for Central Asian economies, many of which are landlocked and heavily dependent on efficient transit routes to access international markets.
The newly signed protocol reflects broader efforts by participating countries to strengthen economic cooperation and increase trade flows across Eurasia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept dron...
At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed after a seven-storey apartment building in Gaza collapsed overnight, leaving dozens ...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed after a seven-storey apartment building in Gaza collapsed overnight, leaving dozens trapped beneath the rubble.
Türkiye has completed production of its first lunar spacecraft, with the probe now undergoing tests ahead of a planned launch in early 2027.
Kazakhstan and South Korea have agreed to upgrade relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, as the two countries discuss nearly $19 billion in projects spanning energy, critical minerals and infrastructure.
The opening day of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai highlighted how geopolitical, economic and technological upheaval is reshaping not only the region, but the media industry itself.
Georgia's move to comply with U.S. sanctions on Iranian airlines has sparked a diplomatic exchange with Tehran, as Tbilisi faces growing scrutiny in Washington over its ties with Iran, Russia and China.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment