Roads minister stresses integration of corridor infrastructure

Iran chairs TRACECA intergovernmental commission

The minister of roads and urban development emphasized the integration of corridor infrastructure among TRACECA member states during the 17th meeting of the group hosted by Tehran, where the members highlighted the importance of unifying transportation processes and digitizing them.

On Wednesday, Farzaneh Sadeq-Malvajerd, speaking at the meeting of the heads of the Intergovernmental Commission of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia Corridor (TRACECA), told reporters that achieving this goal would lead to increased transit and transportation, ultimately fostering regional development.
Sadeq-Malvajerd noted that Iran’s hosting of the TRACECA conference and the organization of related meetings and events demonstrate the initiative of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development in advancing transit and managing regional transit relations to enhance regional connectivity and solidify development.
The minister pointed out that the TRACECA corridor comprises 14 countries from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, with 12 members attending the 17th meeting hosted by Iran. Starting today, the Islamic Republic of Iran will chair TRACECA for one year.
She emphasized that when discussing the groundwork and integration of transportation processes, facilitating customs procedures in Iran and other member states will be one of the most critical areas of cooperation.
Sadeq-Malvajerd also stressed that Iran’s primary agenda during its TRACECA chairmanship will be completing transit infrastructure in the country to facilitate the integration and digitization of processes.
She stated that due to Iran’s central role in this matter, the result will undoubtedly be an increase in transit through the country.
Sadeq-Malvajerd added that unjust sanctions have not hindered Iran’s initiative in regional transit, and the presence of TRACECA members in Iran is proof of this.
She said that all 14 TRACECA members, including Iran, aim to achieve significant growth in regional transit by completing the North-South and East-West corridors.
The minister emphasized that affordable and smooth transit through Iran is one of the most important objectives being pursued.
She noted that due to Iran’s unique geopolitical position, it is naturally the preferred choice for transit by many countries.
Sadeq-Malvajerd stated that increasing the share of rail transport would lead to safer and more reliable transit, along with fuel savings. However, transit development encompasses road, rail, and maritime routes, and plans must be made in all these areas.
The cabinet member highlighted that securing resources in development budgets will help complete the mentioned corridors, utilizing both domestic and foreign investments and asset optimization.

Establishment of TRACECA investment fund
In response to a question about the establishment of a TRACECA investment fund, Sadeq-Malvajerd said the proposal was put forward by representatives from Romania, Turkey, and two other countries and will be discussed, reviewed, and examined by the TRACECA secretariat.
She emphasized that the establishment of this joint fund would help develop economic and trade relations among member states.
When asked about India’s involvement in Chabahar Port following the Trump administration’s taking office in January, the minister clarified that Iran’s communications with India regarding the development of Chabahar Port continue.

Iran as key link in TRACECA
Also on Wednesday, the TRACECA secretary-general stated that Iran serves as a vital link among TRACECA member states, providing access to the Persian Gulf for member countries.
On the sidelines of the 17th TRACECA Intergovernmental Commission meeting, Asset Assavbayev thanked Iran for hosting the high-level sessions and noted that this is the first time Iran has hosted the TRACECA Intergovernmental Commission meeting since joining the organization.
He highlighted the importance of Iran’s agenda during its one-year chairmanship of the TRACECA Intergovernmental Commission, emphasizing Iran’s role as a connecting link among member states and its provision of access to the Persian Gulf.
The secretary-general expressed hope that during Iran’s chairmanship, favorable conditions for transit, exports, and imports among member states would be established.
Assavbayev stated that to better utilize transit routes through Iran, border crossings, rail, and maritime infrastructure must be improved to encourage member states to prefer transit through Iran.
He added that the approval of a transit agreement among TRACECA member states would facilitate the smooth transportation of goods across their borders.
The secretary-general noted that harmonizing customs tariffs and border crossings for cargo transit from Kazakhstan to Turkey and then to Europe would increase other countries’ interest in using Iran’s routes.
He emphasized that since Central Asian countries lack access to open waters, Iran’s route and infrastructure development would provide member states with access to open seas for cargo transport.
The TRACECA Intergovernmental Commission includes 14 members from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Iran, Central Asian countries, and Turkey, collectively forming this East-West corridor network.
This marks the first time Iran has hosted the meeting of the TRACECA.