German expert: The importance of Central Asia is rapidly growing amid the transformation of Eurasian connectivity
This view was expressed by Dr. Valentin Krüssmann, a research fellow at the Centre for East European and International Studies, speaking at the Central Asia – Germany Experts Forum taking place on April 16-17 in Khiva.
The expert noted that, against the backdrop of developments in Iran and instability in the Red Sea region, which have increased the need for stable overland routes, the importance of Central Asia is growing significantly as the region becomes a hub where the interests of key external actors intersect.
The European Union views transport corridors as a means of reducing dependence and diversifying supply routes, China sees them as a means of expanding reliable Eurasian logistics networks and deepening economic integration, and the countries of Central Asia regard them as an opportunity to overcome the constraints of their landlocked position and to strengthen their strategic autonomy.
In this context, Valentin Krüssmann emphasized that Uzbekistan’s policy of developing a multi-vector transport connectivity strategy, which includes promoting southern routes through Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, as well as implementing the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway project, reflects the country’s intention to reduce dependence on a single direction and aligns with the overall logic of Eurasian connectivity development, in which no route is considered to have no alternative.
Speaking about the role of Central Asia as a whole, Valentin Krüssmann stated that the region is gradually becoming an independent center of decision-making in transit and logistics.
In conclusion, the scholar noted that the future of Central Asia is directly linked to the region’s ability to develop internal coordination while integrating into the complex system of Eurasian interdependence. According to his assessment, Uzbekistan plays a key role in this architecture, serving as a dynamic center that promotes a diversified connectivity strategy and acts as an important driver of regional transformation.
UzA
