Merchandise from China to Europe is carried through the territory of Uzbekistan using the capacities of the international intermodal hub based in Navoi airport. However, in a short term perspective the Republic might become a full-fledged Eurasia's hub, according to the information agency UzNews.
The same goal is being pursued by Turkmenistan which built two international airports in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi trying to attract flights operated by overseas air carriers by offering discounts for plane servicing and maintenance.
Moreover, at the start of the year a row broke out after Tajikistan discussed the construction of a new railroad to bypass Turkmenistan with Uzbekistan. These plans outraged Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry, which reminded of agreements between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan and said that such statements can be treated as unethical.
Such a harsh response by Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry is explained by the fact that Turkmenistan is trying to lobby the construction of the railroad Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Turkmenistan.
However, several experts have previously expressed doubts in viability of this route due to the tense situation in troubled Afghanistan. The Asian Development Bank, which was scheduled to fund the construction of the Afghan section, withdrew from the project.
Source: Chronicles of Turkmenistan