Silk Road Digest | 11 Oct 2026

2026-10-11

CAMCA Forum

The 2026 CAMCA Regional Forum concluded in Baku; over the course of two days, discussions focused on regional cooperation, connectivity, and the development of joint initiatives. The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening existing regional cooperation formats and further building upon achievements. The forum also outlined future directions for cooperation, including support for new initiatives within the CAMCA Network and the deepening of ties among participants. Uzbekistan was named the host country for the 2027 CAMCA Regional Forum, which is scheduled to take place in June.

Development of the CASCA+ Route

On October 7–8 in Tashkent, railway administrations from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey signed a six-party protocol regarding the development of the CASCA+ international multimodal transport corridor. The agreement envisages increasing freight turnover between Asia and Europe, improving tariff conditions, ensuring container availability, and reducing port delays.

New Railway Section in Turkey

A 229-kilometer section of the Halkalı–Kapıkule railway in Turkey—specifically the Çerkezköy–Kapıkule segment—has been opened. The opening ceremony was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. Funded by a €275 million EU grant, the project aims to improve transport links between Turkey and the European Union. The new railway section will help reduce cargo transit times along the Middle Corridor and strengthen transport connections linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Georgian Railway Rolling Stock

Georgian Railway has purchased 200 new freight wagons; 50 have already arrived in Georgia, with the remainder scheduled for delivery by the end of the year. Additionally, the company has initiated the process of acquiring up to 50 new locomotives. Upgrading rolling stock and improving operational processes aims to enhance the efficiency of freight transportation.

Trade Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

According to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijan's railway network has been utilized for transporting Armenian cargo for nearly a year, and bilateral trade between the two countries has commenced. He stated that implementing the TRIPP project within Armenian territory would facilitate the opening of regional transport links and the establishment of direct rail connections between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Pashinyan made these remarks in Turkmenbashi during a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS.

Meetings in Moldova

On October 2, 2026, meetings were held in Chisinau with representatives from Moldova’s road, rail, and maritime transport sectors during the visit of Jasurbek Choriev, Secretary General of the TRACECA Permanent Secretariat. The parties discussed the modernization of transport infrastructure, the development of a multilateral permit system, the expansion of the Port of Giurgiulești, and the strengthening of digital connectivity and multimodal logistics. The meetings aimed to foster the safety and economic attractiveness of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transport corridor.

Georgia to Host PostEurop Forum

In 2027, Georgia will host the General Assembly and Business Forum of PostEurop (the Association of European Public Postal Operators). The decision was made during the assembly held in Baku. The event will facilitate the deepening of cooperation with European postal administrations, the sharing of experience, and the development of international business ties.

TRACECA.GE

 

Sources:
timesca.com / europetime.eu / bp.ge europetime.eu / gbc.ge / primeminister.am
traceca-org.org