afghanistan-centralasia

Central Asia: Emerging Hub of Transport Corridors

Transport corridors have assumed a crucial importance in Central Asia as the economies of the countries of the region have improved, despite the adverse affects of global and financial crisis.

By Prof Nirmala Joshi,
Director, India Central Asia Foundation, New Delhi

Centuries   earlier the present day Central Asia was the lifeline of the overland transport and trade between the East and the West.  The famous silk route criss-crossed the region linking China with Europe.  Empires of the day coveted Central Asia largely because of its central location on the silk route. In the 21stt century transport   corridors are once again acquiring importance; partly because sea commerce is getting congested and partly because of the increasing risks from sea pirates and terrorists.  After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 the vast Eurasian landmass opened alternatives as well as opportunities for trade and transit.

On their part, the five Central Asian States, being landlocked, were also in search of alternate ways to reach the world markets, and integrate with the world economy. Besides, transit revenues that would accrue would be substantial resulting in prosperity for the people of the region. .  Hence several transport related projects have been initiated by international organizations, financial Institutions, Western nations and regional powers over the last nineteen years.  

Initially the focus was on recreating the famous silk route that is (East- West) linking China with Europe, but with the passage of time North- South corridors   have also come into reckoning. The economies of Central Asian states have also improved, despite the adverse effect of global and financial crisis. So, transport corridors have assumed a crucial aspect.  Whether there are geopolitical considerations behind these transport and energy projects is debatable. It is beside the point since a transport hub has emerged.

The sin qua non of a transport network is roads and bridges in good condition to carry heavy loads. At the time of their independence, roads in Central Asian States were in bad shape. Repair, upgrade and modernisation became a priority.   From what I have seen and heard, Uzbekistan is playing a key role in this regard. It is also centrally located in CA. The country has an extensive transport and communication links.  Road network is approximately 130,000 km plus. Rail links cover around 4300 km plus. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia that has small proportions of roads that can be classified as “primary” or “class –I” roads. The government now plans to build seven (7) super highways in for improved domestic and external connectivity and reap the locational advantage. You know, whether east –west, or north – south the centrality of Uzbekistan is obvious.

What are the transport corridors to reach Central Asia?  Briefly, they are as follows:

·         New Silk Route from Eastern China to Europe

·         TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus- Central Asia), an EU project

·         India – Iran – Afghanistan – Uzbekistan

·         India – Pakistan – Afghanistan- Uzbekistan. 

This corridor is the best option for India to connect with Central Asia and this option is       backed by the ADB. But it is a ‘troubled’ corridor.  If economic considerations prevail, and the route is opened, it would enormously benefit all the countries of the region. Continental trade expected to pass through this region is   estimated to touch US $ 500 to 600 billion.

·         International North – South Transport Corridor (INSTC) initiated by India-Russia-Iran.  Kazakhstan has since joined the venture. If Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are also associated then it would enhance the corridor’s viability considerably.

·         Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan – China – Pakistan; the Karakorum highway;

·         Trans Asian Highway- connecting Southeast Asia with Europe via South and Central Asia would give a tremendous boost to trade and transit. This route would also benefit continental trade changing the geopolitical scenario of the vast region.

·         Navoi as a dry port are bright. It will provide connectivity to Europe via the Caspian Sea.

BLUE PRINT

In order to make these routes efficient and credible, some home work is necessary on the part of lead players.

·         Harmonisation of rules and regulations and acceptance of the best international practices.

·         Uniformity in customs regime, border controls, road rules, and domestic legal framework

·         Regional Coordination Committee for implementation of agreements and to address problems in swift movement of cargo.

Some measures on the pattern have already been initiated. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan had entered into an Integrated Economic Area agreement way back in 1994 itself. Now the accord should be revitalised with the addition of more members willing to associate with the accord.

Regional cooperation would provide an opportunity to member-nations to exchange, discuss and debate and in the process develop better working equations. In fact, lack of coordination among countries leads to slow down of projects.   Economically enhanced regional cooperation will lead to the development of physical infrastructure benefitting the people. Countries that do not cooperate should calculate the cost of opportunity lost to them. Undoubtedly there are difficulties, but in the long run a collaborative effort is in the interest of all.

Sharing:

Your comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *