“We applaud additional efforts by countries in the region to enhance regional trade and transportation, and we encourage you to work more closely with your neighbors to diversify and expand the trade and transport routes that build economic growth throughout the region,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Richard E. Hoagland said at roundtable on East-West Transport Corridor for Trade and Economic Cooperation in Embassy of Azerbaijan in Washington, DC.
“We recognize all the work countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus are doing to diversify trade routes across the Caspian Sea, through Turkey and into Europe. But to expand the region’s potential as a trade corridor, countries in the region must work together to limit border delays and reduce transport costs. Through the Northern Distribution Network, we have seen inbound and outbound flows of goods to and from Afghanistan pass through Central Asia and the Caucasus. This experience provides the foundations for viable commercial corridors between Europe and Asia. Upgrading east-west linkages across the Caspian as well as north-south transit corridors from Central to South Asia facilitate trade across the region.
The United States will continue to support efforts for greater regional economic connectivity. Today’s focus on Central Asia’s links to the Caspian, the Caucasus, Turkey, Europe and beyond is important for not only the United States, but - more importantly - for the future of the countries in the region,” he said.
Richard Hoagland: Upgrading east-west linkages across the Caspian facilitate trade across region
11 February 2015
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