As much as blood arteries are necessary for human life, roads are also important for the country’s economy. Roads and railways are called the blood arteries of the state’s economy. In this sense, it is gratifying that, based on consistent reforms, the road infrastructure of Uzbekistan is being brought to a level that meets international standards.

Thanks to the large-scale foreign policy of Uzbekistan, carried out under the leadership of the country’s President, the significance of the historic Great Silk Road is being restored today. This process is manifested in the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The SCO occupies a special place in Uzbekistan’s system of multifaceted diplomacy. As one of the SCO's founders, the country actively participates in developing and improving its basic principles, regulatory documents, and institutional framework. Today, the SCO is a multilateral platform for implementing pragmatic and large-scale mutually beneficial cooperation corresponding to Uzbekistan’s foreign policy priorities.

Transport diplomacy of Uzbekistan within the SCO is of particular importance. The country’s geostrategic location is especially advantageous for creating a transport system in the Central Asian region. The government is striving to strengthen relations with SCO members to expand regional transport links. Actions are being taken to simplify cross-border transport traffic – crossing borders is accelerated, and costs are reduced by simplifying customs clearance. Investments are being actively attracted to modernize the transport infrastructure of Uzbekistan, in particular, to expand roads, electrify railway lines, and build new airports. In short, the goal is to develop regional trade and investment through transport diplomacy. Its achievement will reduce transportation costs and ensure the significant, timely delivery of goods.

Today, Uzbekistan’s contribution to accelerating technological exchange, training highly qualified personnel that meet the requirements of the times, and strengthening multilateral transport cooperation within the SCO through implementing practical joint projects is recognized at the international level.

Uzbekistan’s transport diplomacy within the SCO is essential in economic development, strengthening regional integration and international cooperation. As Central Asia’s leading participant, Uzbekistan is putting forward many initiatives to improve transport infrastructure, simplify the trade process, and expand the exchange of specialists within the structure. One such noteworthy project is the development of the Trans-Asian Railway Network, which will improve rail connections between Europe and Asia through Central Asia. As part of this initiative, the geostrategic location allows Uzbekistan to become an important transit center. Uzbekistan attaches great importance to improving the efficiency of roads and air routes within the region.

Uzbekistan demonstrates its commitment to the development of regional integration and transport cooperation. The following benefits are expected from this line of business:

First, bilateral and multilateral trade will be simplified:

– Improving the transport infrastructure within the SCO and establishing relations will improve trade turnover between Uzbekistan and other member countries. As a result, the cost will increase, expenses will decrease, and the export of goods and services to the foreign market will accelerate;

– According to the World Bank, reducing costs by improving transport infrastructure and logistics will ensure growth in Uzbekistan’s exports and GDP.

Second, economic integration will develop:

– The expansion of transport connections in the SCO space will ensure the development of economic integration and cooperation between the member countries of the structure. In particular, opportunities for Uzbekistan to participate in the regional value chain, attract foreign investment, and diversify the export market will increase;

– The Asian Development Bank predicts that regional integration will be achieved through improved transport links, which will increase Uzbekistan’s GDP by up to 10 percent in the long term. This will open up opportunities for creating new jobs in the country, growing incomes, and sharply reducing poverty.

Third, infrastructure improvements will be achieved:

– Economic growth and development of the country can be stimulated by investing in transport infrastructure projects within the SCO. Through this process, it is planned to build roads, railways, and logistics centers that will facilitate trade and investment flow;

– For example, the initiated SCO transport corridor – the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway project – will allow us to strengthen ties with the region’s markets and contribute to economic development in transport, activity, and employment of citizens.

Transport diplomacy of Uzbekistan within the SCO will bring significant economic benefits. The trade process will be facilitated, infrastructure will be further developed, and financial integration will expand. Taking advantage of the country’s strategic location through active participation in regional transport initiatives will help increase competitiveness, attract new foreign investment, and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.

Mirhabib Sayfullayev, UzA