OSCE, UN support discussions on optimization of cargo flows along Euro-Asian corridors

VIENNA, 3 February 2016 – Improving inland transport connectivity between Europe and Asia was the focus of a two-day OSCE-supported seminar that ended today in Vienna. The event gathered transport officials, representatives of the private sector and academia, and experts from Germany, Poland, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Iran, as well as representatives of various specialized inter-governmental transport organizations from across the region.

“Workable solutions can be identified and tangible progress can occur only by assessing common gaps and identifying the remaining stumbling blocks in the region’s trade and transport integration,” said Ermelinda Meksi, Deputy Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

Participants elaborated on the specific needs of producers, shippers, traders and freight forwarders and shared information on recent developments in transport infrastructure projects along Euro-Asian routes.

"Euro-Asian producers, traders and consumers are increasingly interested in a speedy delivery of fast-moving consumer goods and spare parts needed for industrial processes,” said Miroslav Jovanovic from the Transport Division of the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE). “The goal of the project is to maintain and extend a platform for fast, secure, affordable and reliable trade and overland transport connectivity between Europe and Asia.”

The seminar, which was hosted by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), took place as part of the UNECE’s project on Euro-Asian Transport Links (EATL).

The OSCE has been providing political and practical support to UNECE’s EATL project since 2006. The EATL initiative complements the German 2016 OSCE Chairmanship’s focus on ‘economic connectivity’ - a concept that looks at infrastructure, logistics, trade and investment, business processes, customs and border administration issues in an integrated and holistic manner.