On October 22, the Institute for Advanced International Studies will host a seminar of the #FrontierTalks series by Nargiza Umarova. The seminar, titled “Cooperation of Central Asian States in the Sphere of Transport and Transit as a Factor of Strengthening Regional Integration”, will delve into the complexities of enhancing transport connectivity in the region, focusing on both its potential for regional integration and the challenges posed by current dynamics.

Ms Umarova’s seminar will provide an insightful analysis of the transport rapprochement process among the five Central Asian republics since the establishment of the consultative meetings mechanism in 2018. Despite efforts to align their transport and communication strategies for fostering economic growth and integrating into the global transport network, the region has witnessed a divergence in practical outcomes. Instead of prioritising the creation of local communication routes, the individual states have concentrated more on developing international transit corridors. This approach, coupled with a tendency to focus on national interests and inadequate coordination in transportation projects, has intensified competition, potentially undermining Central Asian unity.

During the seminar, the speaker will discuss the current dynamics of transport integration, identifying the primary factors that facilitate or hinder this process. She will distinguish between transportation routes of local and international significance, offering insights into their impact on intra-regional connectivity and the broader implications for regional cohesion.

The event, set to begin at 10:30 a.m. in the IAIS Meetings Area, promises to stimulate important discussions on the future of Central Asian transport cooperation and strategies for overcoming existing challenges to strengthen regional ties. Future seminars by experts will also be organised as part of the ongoing series to further explore topics of regional importance.