Tehran, June 4, 2025 – The Europe Today: The 13th Ministerial Meeting on Transport of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was convened in Tehran, bringing together ministers and senior officials from member states to address pressing challenges and chart a strategic course for the development of a sustainable and efficient regional transport network.
The high-level meeting focused on strengthening multimodal transport corridors, advancing digitalization in the transport and logistics sectors, facilitating cross-border trade and transit, and reinforcing the implementation of regional agreements and collaborative programs.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilhom Mahkamov, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the initiatives put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to enhance regional transport and logistics connectivity. He outlined the progress made in implementing these proposals and called for the creation of a dedicated Working Group comprising experts from transport and customs authorities. The group would be tasked with developing mechanisms for the digitalization and mutual recognition of freight and customs documents.
Delegates welcomed Uzbekistan’s initiative and emphasized the need for practical measures to foster integration, including coordinated infrastructure development, harmonized transport regulations, and increased private sector engagement in regional transport projects.
The session culminated in the unanimous adoption of the Tehran Declaration, a forward-looking document that sets strategic priorities for transport cooperation among ECO member states. The declaration incorporates several key Uzbek proposals, including the establishment of a Digital Transport and Customs Office and the designation of Samarkand International Airport as the ECO Aviation Hub.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the ECO framework, recognizing that enhanced connectivity is essential to driving sustainable economic development, facilitating trade, and improving regional integration. The outcomes of the Tehran meeting are expected to serve as a foundation for deepening collaboration and achieving tangible progress in the transport sector across the ECO region.
