Мой первый журнал ISRS-Journal-АНГЛ | Page 50

TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN CENTRAL ASIA Farrukh Juraev, Head of Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Annotation The article discusses international transport projects in the Central Asian region that will contribute to the formation of regional transport communications in Central Asia, as well as the interests and prospects of Uzbekistan’s participation in their implementation. The radical changes taking place in the Central Asian region in recent years facilitated states of the region becoming more active in turning Central Asia into crossroads of transportation corridors that connect the East with the West, the North and the South, and to link their strategic future with joint regional efforts and actions, in connection with which transport opportunities of international importance have increased. Taking into account the importance and urgency of the development of Central Asia as a coherent whole region, the first days of the presidency focused the attention on the implementation of proactive regional policies, the creation of a favorable political atmosphere in Central Asia, the building of constructive and mutually beneficial relations with the countries of the region in all directions, including transport ― the main priority of Uzbekistan's foreign policy. Speaking at the consultation meeting of the heads of states of Central Asia in Astana, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that the priority should be given to the implementation of transport and communication projects that will connect Central Asia with major seaports and world markets. In our country special attention is paid to further development of transport infrastructure and the increase in the volume of transit cargo transportation. Currently, the government of Uzbekistan is implementing the Program for development and modernization of engineering communications and road infrastructure for 2015-2019, which provides for the elaboration of a single complex development strategy for the national transport industry, which meets high international standards, and ensures its broad integration into international transport communications, taking into account the long-term needs of domestic manufacturers in promoting their products to the local and world markets. It should be taken into account that today all the to some reports, the length of necessary conditions have been created for the further the According railway communication system of development of the transport and transit potential in the Central Asian countries extends more than 22,000 km. Kazakhstan has the largest country. most exploited railways, which The country is making efforts to increase the capacity and accounts for 66 percent of the total length of the transport system, remove existing barriers to of the region's railways and accounts for unimpeded transit through the territory of Uzbekistan, 84 percent of all freight transport. About percent of regional railways pass which has the great importance in the development of 18 through Uzbekistan, accounting for about international transport corridors in Central Asia. 11 percent of all traffic. Turkmenistan has Recently, under the conditions of a confident and about 12 percent of regional railways and friendly atmosphere in Central Asia, it is becoming 4 percent of all traffic. possible to take practical measures to implement real transport projects. The countries of our region have recently intensified their efforts to increase their transport capabilities of international importance. Today, a number of international transport projects are being laid across Central Asia. 52