A round table discussion following the conclusion of the Investors Forum of the European Union Global Gateway initiative took place in Brussels on Friday, as reported by representatives of the Business Turkmenistan online publication.
Attending the event were notable figures, including the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov; the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Belgium, Gairat Fozilov; the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium, Margulan Baimukhan; the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Belgium, Muzaffran Huseinzoda; the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Belgium, Aidit Erkin; and the Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Association Europe - Uzbekistan, Oybek Shaikhov.
During his address, Ambassador Palvanov highlighted the substantial interest shown by European financial institutions and companies in expanding and enhancing transport networks between Central Asia and Europe. He emphasized the willingness of Turkmenistan to welcome European logistics operators looking to utilize existing capacities and establish new cross-border trade and logistics hubs in Turkmenistan.
Palvanov revealed that the Turkmen side is actively coordinating a meeting of transport experts from Central Asia and the European Union in Ashgabat in the coming months. The purpose of the gathering is to assess the outcomes of the recent Investor Forum and explore avenues for bolstering transportation opportunities between the two regions.
As a major player in natural gas production, Turkmenistan is committed to reducing methane emissions and is actively exploring ways to use its gas resources more efficiently, the diplomat noted.
He further highlighted that the digitalization of transport infrastructure and the transition to green energy are key areas of cooperation between Central Asia and Europe. These priorities present significant opportunities for Europe, given its advanced technology and extensive experience in the field.
In conclusion, Sapar Palvanov quoted EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas, stating, " If someone asked me to point at the region in the world, where positive changes are happening, without any doubt, I would point at Central Asia."
The Global Gateway Investors Forum on Sustainable Transport EU-Central Asia, which took place on January 29-30 in Brussels, aimed at the long-term goal of transforming the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor into a multimodal, modern, competitive, sustainable, predictable, smart, and fast route, linking Europe and Central Asia in 15 days or less.
