UAE, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to Explore New CASA Railway Corridor
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the UAE are collaboratively exploring the development of a new Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (CASA) railway route to enhance regional transport connectivity and provide access to
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates are set to jointly investigate the feasibility of a new railway corridor, known as CASA, which aims to connect Central and South Asia. This initiative is designed to improve transport links and create new opportunities for international trade, logistics, and investment cooperation, ultimately providing access to Pakistan's vital seaports.
A memorandum of understanding on cooperation for the CASA railway project was formally signed by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan, and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Under the terms of this agreement, the participating nations will undertake technical and economic studies, along with analytical assessments, to determine the viability of developing the necessary railway infrastructure and associated facilities. This comprehensive evaluation will be crucial in moving the project forward.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan bring significant well-developed railway infrastructure and considerable transit potential to the partnership. The UAE contributes its international expertise in transport infrastructure development, logistics, and the implementation of large-scale investment projects. This combination of capabilities is expected to facilitate the practical advancement of the CASA project and help define suitable mechanisms for its successful implementation.
The parties have also initiated discussions on subsequent steps and specific areas of collaboration, including the potential establishment of a Working Group. This group would be tasked with comprehensively addressing the project's technical, economic, and financial aspects, ensuring a detailed and coordinated approach to its development.
Questions, answered
- What is the primary goal of the CASA railway project?
- The primary goal is to develop a new railway route to enhance transport connectivity between Central and South Asia, creating additional opportunities for international transportation, trade, logistics, and investment cooperation, with access to Pakistan’s seaports.
- Which government entities signed the memorandum for the CASA project?
- The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan, and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
- What steps will be taken under the memorandum of understanding?
- Under the memorandum, the parties will conduct technical and economic studies, analytical assessments, and examine the feasibility of developing the required railway infrastructure and related facilities.
- What contributions do Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the UAE bring to the project?
- Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan offer well-developed railway infrastructure and transit potential, while the UAE brings international experience in transport infrastructure, logistics, and major investment project implementation.
- What is being considered for addressing the project's technical and financial aspects?
- The parties are considering establishing a Working Group to comprehensively address the project’s technical, economic, and financial aspects.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
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