Baku: Asia’s weight in global economic and technological development is increasing. Asia’s strength lies in its diversity, markets, and ability to build connections, CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay said at an international conference on ‘The Role of Ports in Regional Connectivity and Strategic Cooperation,’ held within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), APA-Economics reports.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, Kairat Sarybay emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among ports to make regional connectivity safer, more efficient, sustainable, and beneficial for all. He highlighted that ports in the CICA region are not just physical gateways for cargo transportation but are strategic hubs that connect maritime routes with railways, highways, airports, logistics hubs, and industrial zones.
The Secretary General noted the proposal to establish the Special Council on Sustainable Connectivity as a CICA advisory body, which was put forward at the highest political level. The objective of this initiative is to promote dialogue and practical cooperation on sustainable transport infrastructure, multimodal corridors, digitalized logistics, environmentally sustainable mobility, and smoother trade and transit flows. Sarybay believes that dialogue on transport connectivity, trade facilitation, and professional contacts can enhance mutual understanding, predictability, and common interests in the region.
Kairat Sarybay also highlighted the special and sustained attention given to connectivity during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship. As the coordinator of confidence-building measures in developing secure and efficient systems of transport corridors, Azerbaijan has initiated and supported numerous conferences, expert discussions, and other events to promote practical cooperation among CICA Member States. The recent conference builds on the practical work already carried out within CICA in the field of transport connectivity.