In an interview with the Anadolu Agency, the head of the Center for Strategic Connectivity, Nargiza Umarova, analyzed the prospects for Tajikistan’s new transportation initiatives, including the Tajikistan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey–Europe route. In her assessment, this corridor is still in the early stages of development but already reflects Dushanbe’s desire to overcome its transportation isolation, expand its transit capacity, and integrate into new Eurasian logistics chains. Of particular importance here is the connection with Uzbekistan, for which the diversification of foreign trade and transportation routes is also a priority.
Umarova emphasizes that the feasibility of the new route does not negate existing problems. Key challenges remain: differences in the regulatory and transportation systems of the participating countries; the need to standardize transport documents, tariffs, and technical requirements; and the digitization of logistics procedures. The expert pays particular attention to the infrastructure factor: since the Tajik section of the route currently relies mainly on road transport, the development of modern road infrastructure is becoming a key condition for the competitiveness of the entire corridor.
The interview also discusses the Tajikistan–China-Pakistan route. Umarova clarifies that this route differs from the one to Europe: while the first corridor is geared toward connecting China to European markets by land, the Pakistan route is primarily linked to Tajikistan’s access to the southern seas and Pakistan’s port infrastructure. In her view, these routes should not be viewed as competing: they operate along different geographical axes and can simultaneously strengthen Tajikistan’s role as a link between China, Central Asia, Europe, and South Asia.
Read the interview on the Anadolu website
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
