Kazakhstan has invited the European Union to join its electronic permit exchange project for international road transport as Astana pushes ahead with the digital transformation of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).

The proposal was discussed during talks in Astana between Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport Zhanibek Taizhanov and Sergio Oliete Josa, head of the Sustainable Transport and Urban Development Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The meeting focused on the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian corridor, a key trade route connecting Asia and Europe. Transit volumes along the route continue to rise while cargo delivery times have significantly decreased.

The sides also reviewed plans to expand container transportation and strengthen regional logistics infrastructure.

A major focus was placed on developing the Caspian region’s transport capacity. Kazakhstan highlighted ongoing modernization work at Aktau port, supported by financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union.

Discussions also covered the construction of new vessels, expansion of ferry services across the Caspian Sea, and railway projects aimed at increasing the corridor’s throughput and boosting interregional connectivity.

Kazakhstan additionally presented its plans for the digitalization of transport and logistics services, including electronic customs clearance, digital document management, and the introduction of digital permits for international freight transport.

Astana invited EU member states to participate in the electronic permit exchange initiative, which Kazakhstan has already begun implementing with Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Kyrgyzstan.

Following the talks, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening the Trans-Caspian corridor as one of the most important trade routes between Europe and Asia.