The opening of a new international multimodal (using at least two modes of transport) corridor to Russia through the Caspian Sea was discussed during a visit to Turkmenistan by the Minister of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan Tilek Tekebaev , the Kyrgyz ministry reports .
On December 1, Tekebaev met in the port of Turkmenbashi with the chairman of the Agency "Turkmen Sea and River Routes" Annadurdy Kosaev . The parties discussed increasing the number of road freight transport, including through the creation of new logistics supply chains for goods and transport corridors.
The Kyrgyz side proposed to launch an alternative multimodal route Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan (port of Turkmenbashi) - Russia (port of Astrakhan) .
Cargo can be transported to the Uzbek-Turkmen border by trucks, there it can be reloaded onto trains and taken to the port of Turkmebashi.
The Turkmen side replied that they were ready to consider preferential tariffs for port services for transit cargo along this route. There are currently 4 berths in operation, 3 of which work with road transport and 1 is designed for rail transport. There are also 2 ferries that are currently used to transport goods to the port of Baku, so they cannot be provided for this route.
According to representatives of the Kyrgyz side, Russia is ready to provide ferries for this corridor. An agreement on this was reached during a bilateral meeting between Tekebaev and State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Transport of Russia Dmitry Zverev , which took place in September.
On December 2 , Tilek Tekebaev discussed this issue with the Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency Mammetkhan Chakiev . However, the Turkmen side offered to first consult with all parties - Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. As for the Memorandum on the use of this route, the Turkmen side is still considering it.
Tekebaev asked Chakiev to cancel fees for transit through the territory of Turkmenistan , which will reduce the cost of transportation and increase the attractiveness of this route compared to alternatives. He noted that when transporting through the territory of Kyrgyzstan, Turkmen drivers are not charged transit fees . Chakiev replied that this issue "will be considered on a parity basis."
In addition, Tekebaev complained about the difficulties in obtaining Turkmen visas for Kyrgyz carriers. According to him, it is necessary to reduce the time for consideration and issuance of multiple-use visas for Kyrgyz international road carriers . However, Chakiev noted that this issue is beyond the competence of the Agency, therefore, it requires elaboration with the relevant state structures.
Source: Chronicles of Turkmenistan