The OECD has engaged in work on the business climate and on trade and transport connectivity in Central Asia for over a decade, in co-operation with the European Union, the countries of the region and other international partners. Recent developments within and beyond the region have reshaped Central Asia’s economic and connectivity landscape, highlighting the need for economic diversification and the importance of developing secure and diverse trade routes.
In this context, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) has gained strategic relevance as a link between Europe and Asia, and as a platform for regional integration and sustainable growth in Central Asia. The European Union has prioritised the development of the TCTC under its Global Gateway strategy and broader connectivity agenda. To this end, the EU has launched a range of initiatives to support the development of the corridor, including soft and hard connectivity investments, the funding of feasibility studies, and the establishment of a dedicated regional co-ordination platform. Within the framework and financial support of the EU Prosperity Programme in Central Asia, the OECD launched a project in late 2024 to provide an in-depth assessment of recent developments along the TCTC from the perspective of the private sector in Central Asia. Drawing on inputs from governments and private sector stakeholders across the five Central Asian countries, the report acknowledges the significant progress made, pinpoints remaining bottlenecks affecting the corridor’s competitiveness and suggests priority reforms in the areas of regional integration, infrastructure development, trade facilitation, private sector engagement, and sustainability.
The report includes a regional overview of latest macroeconomic developments and findings, and country-specific chapters, each including up-to-date analysis based on survey results, highlighting areas for further improvement, and offering tailored recommendations to enhance the corridor’s competitiveness. A summary table of recommendations is included at the end of each country chapter. It will be of interest as a reform compass to policy makers, business leaders, and development partners engaged in Central Asian connectivity and trade.