RUSSIA, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran have formalized a strategic roadmap for the synchronous development of the eastern route of the international transport corridor “North-South” for 2024-2025. This significant document was signed during the inaugural transport trade and export forum, “North-South,” held in Aktau.
The foremost objective of this roadmap is to enhance the capacity of this crucial transport corridor. By 2027, the corridor’s capacity is projected to escalate to 15 million tons annually, with further expansion reaching up to 20 million tons by 2030. These developments underscore the ambitious scale and forward-looking vision of this multinational transport initiative.
Kazakhstan is committed to advancing the development of the North-South ITC’s eastern route, which is anticipated to experience the highest growth in cargo flow by 2030 and is considered the safest and most direct route to the Indian Ocean. The Minister of Transport stressed the importance of taking practical steps to implement the roadmap, highlighting the route’s strategic role in connecting Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Iran. This route is pivotal for linking key geographical and economic regions, underlining its significance in regional trade and connectivity.
The forum witnessed robust participation, with over 440 delegates from 12 countries in attendance. This diverse gathering included representatives from prominent regional bodies such as the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Commission. The wide-ranging participation at the forum highlights the collective interest and strategic importance of the North-South ITC in regional and international trade dynamics.
In conjunction with the forum, a trilateral meeting between Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan took place. The central topic of discussion at this meeting was the proposal to construct a new railway line. This proposed railway would connect Turgundi, Herat, Kandahar and Spin Boldak, effectively extending from Turkmenistan’s western border through Afghanistan to Pakistan and onwards to India. This proposed infrastructure development is poised to significantly enhance connectivity and trade flow within the region, offering a direct and efficient route for goods movement.
Afghan representatives at the meeting underscored their commitment to facilitating the smooth transit of goods through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to Pakistan. They expressed interest in importing Chinese goods through these routes, recognizing the multifaceted benefits that the new corridor could offer to all involved parties. This proposed railway line is seen as a crucial infrastructural investment that could unlock substantial economic benefits, enhance trade connectivity and foster regional cooperation.
The North-South ITC is crucial for bridging major economic regions and facilitating efficient trade flows, aligning with regional connectivity initiatives aimed at sustainable growth. Enhancing the corridor’s capacity will help participating countries benefit from increased trade volumes and economic activity. The development of the eastern route underscores broader geopolitical and economic implications, highlighting regional cooperation among Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Russia, with Afghanistan and Pakistan also contributing to a shared vision for enhanced connectivity and economic prosperity.
The North-South ITC’s eastern route is not only about enhancing trade capacity but also about fostering regional stability and economic development. By creating efficient trade routes and improving connectivity, the corridor can contribute to economic diversification, job creation and poverty reduction in the region. The proposed railway through Afghanistan, in particular, holds significant promise for boosting economic activity and development in a country that has long faced economic challenges.
In conclusion, the signing of the roadmap for the synchronous development of the eastern route of the North-South ITC marks a pivotal step in regional transport and trade integration. The ambitious targets set for 2027 and 2030 reflect the participating countries’ commitment to enhancing the corridor’s capacity and efficiency. As Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Russia move forward with the implementation of this roadmap, the North-South ITC is poised to become a cornerstone of regional economic connectivity and cooperation, offering substantial benefits for all involved parties and contributing to the broader goal of sustainable regional development.
—The writer is Research Officer (Iran Programme) Institute of regional studies Islamabad.
