CAREC Institute Director Advocates Regional Connectivity and Collaboration at China-Europe Trans-Caspian Symposium

Mr. Charymuhammet Shallyyev, Director of the CAREC Institute, delivered remarks at the International Symposium on the China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express, held during the 17th International Exhibition on Transport Technology and Equipment in Beijing from July 1 to 3, 2025.

Co-hosted by the Global Sustainable Transport Innovation and Knowledge Center and the “Sustainable Transport Innovation Center” National High-End Think Tank, the symposium brought together senior officials from China’s Ministry of Transport, including Vice Minister Li Yang, as well as representatives from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the International Road Transport Union (IRU), and other key stakeholders.

Vice Minister Li Yang highlighted transport’s pivotal role as “the artery of the economy and a bond between civilizations,” and called for stronger policy coordination, improved infrastructure, streamlined trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties to advance the Trans-Caspian corridor.

Participants engaged in practical discussions on strengthening the China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express, reaching broad consensus on its strategic value for regional economic development. Actionable measures were proposed to enhance the corridor’s safety, resilience, and efficiency.

In his presentation, Mr. Shallyyev emphasized the Trans-Caspian Route’s growing importance for trade between Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and East Asia. Drawing on recent CAREC Institute research, he noted that while progress has been made, persistent capacity and coordination challenges remain. To address these, Mr. Shallyyev recommended establishing a knowledge and data-sharing platform, promoting regulatory harmonization, enhancing institutional cooperation, and conducting targeted infrastructure assessments. These proposals were positively received by participants, including representatives from the IRU and the Ministry of Transport.

During the exhibition, Mr. Shallyyev also visited booths showcasing the latest advancements in transportation equipment, technology, and investment projects.