The 3rd International Conference and Exhibition, “International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development 2024” (ITTC-2024), will be held on November 26-27, 2024, in Ashgabat, with registration for delegates currently underway. More than 600 delegates from 40 countries are expected to attend, including representatives from international and domestic companies, global organizations, and government agencies. Interested participants are invited to register via the official website (ittc-turkmenistan.com). This prestigious event is organized by the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, in partnership with Belli E.S.
In December 2018, Turkmenistan adopted a landmark UN resolution on sustainable transport, marking a significant step toward the development of environmentally friendly and efficient transport systems throughout the region. This resolution encourages closer collaboration among countries to implement sustainable transport solutions, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, modernize and expand transport networks, and ensure accessibility for all.
ITTC 2024 will coincide with World Sustainable Transport Day, celebrated in Turkmenistan as a reflection of the country’s commitment to sustainable development principles and active engagement in global efforts to enhance the environmental and economic efficiency of transport systems.
The conference will cover a wide array of relevant topics related to the development of international transport and transit corridors, with a particular focus on Turkmenistan’s role as a crucial connector in the East-West and North-South corridors. Key sessions will address issues such as the increasing role of women in the transport industry, the adoption of sustainable practices in transport infrastructure, the impact of digitalization on logistics, and education and training for transport professionals. Additional discussions will explore strategies for supporting landlocked Central Asian countries in expanding their access to global markets and optimizing their contributions to the global supply chain.
The conference program includes a series of sessions focused on international transport corridors, multimodality, public-private partnerships in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and the digital transformation of logistics. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss cooperation and investment opportunities and share experiences related to large-scale infrastructure projects.
Turkmenistan has made substantial progress in the transport and logistics sector, reinforcing its role as a critical player in international transit corridors. Recent developments include the establishment of new railway lines, such as the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran line, which has significantly reduced transit time between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, along with major upgrades to the Ashgabat-Turkmenabad railway line. The country’s road infrastructure also boasts significant enhancements, including the Ashgabat-Turkmenabad expressway and the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highway, providing faster access to the Caspian Sea.
The Turkmenbashi International Seaport, inaugurated in 2018, has become a key hub for Caspian Sea trade, and expanded ferry services to neighboring countries have strengthened regional trade turnover. In the air transport sector, the modernization of Ashgabat International Airport and the development of domestic airlines have improved connectivity across Turkmenistan, bolstering its role as a central transport hub in Central Asia and promoting economic integration in the region.
Turkmenistan’s dedication to regional cooperation is further demonstrated through its involvement in the North-South corridor, which links Russia, Iran, and India and enables more efficient trade between Europe and South Asia. Turkmenistan also plays an active role in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, fostering economic collaboration.
Moreover, Turkmenistan collaborates with China as part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, which aims to create a comprehensive network of transport and logistics routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Through this cooperation, Turkmenistan is developing new transport corridors and enhancing existing infrastructure to support regional trade.