Digital projects to boost cargo transportation along Middle Corridor, says OTS Secretary-General

Secretary-General of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanychbek Omuraliev has said that the work is currently underway on digital projects aimed at facilitating cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor. 

Omuraliev made these remarks at the meeting of the General Assembly of the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.  

He noted that the volume of cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor continues growing.

"In this context, it is especially important to highlight the southern section of this corridor—the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which will become a key element of regional integration. Overall, successful cooperation in the transportation sector contributes to the economic development of the member states of the Organisation of Turkic States," he added. 

From January to November 2024, cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor increased by 63 per cent compared to the same period of last year, reaching 4.1 million tons. During the same period, container transportation grew by 2.6 times, reaching 50,500 TEU.

Moreover, President of the Turkic Investment Fund Baghdad Amreyev has said that the Organisation of Turkic States must invest in the industries of the future and develop the necessary skills for this.

"As we emphasised at COP29, we must accelerate the 'green' transition because there are no alternatives," he noted.

He also stated that the fund he leads will provide financial support for national, joint, and regional projects aimed at increasing trade and investments, expanding transport, energy, and digital connections, as well as offering technical assistance to small and medium-sized enteprises and startups.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev has said that from 1995 to 2024, the volume of mutual investments between Azerbaijan and the member states of the Organisation of Turkic States reached approximately $37 billion.

He noted that about $17 billion of this amount comes from investments by member states of the Organisation of Turkic States in Azerbaijan, while approximately $20 billion represents Azerbaijan’s investments in member states of the Organisation of Turkic States.

"We have signed agreements on the promotion and protection of investments with all Turkic states, which creates a legal foundation for further strengthening and expanding our ties," he added.

In turn, President of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu has said that member states of the Organisation of Turkic States must act together amid escalating trade wars around the world. 

He emphasised the need to increase trade turnover among Turkic countries and remove existing barriers. 

"In this regard, it is crucial to ensure simplified customs procedures. Our union is ready to share its experience with Turkic countries on this matter. One of the pressing issues today is the establishment of a special subcommittee within the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges," he added.

By Naila Huseynova