Facilitation of trade and transport in the TRACECA countries and the improved integration of the Caucasus & Black Sea regions in the world's economy have been important priorities for years.
The International Logistical Centres for Western NIS and the Caucasus project (2009–2011) was co-implemented by NTU with the objective to support international trade and facilitate the movement of goods along the TRACECA corridor (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) through improving logistics capabilities, interoperability and multimodal transport in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Within this nearly 3.5 million € project, the activities undertaken by NTU targeted identification of relevant opportunities for the development of logistic activities, drafting of the feasibility studies and specifications and elaboration of preliminary design of potential international logistic centres. All of these activities were carried out in line with international standards.
The project was separated into three phases:
- Logistics Network and Infrastructure Analysis
- Identification, Ranking and Promotion of Projects
- Feasibility Studies for the Selected Projects.
Map of the TRACECA routes
How we did it
A comprehensive analysis of the beneficiary countries' logistic infrastructures was undertaken during the first phase, including field visits. The analysis stressed the infrastructure conditions at main TRACECA transport links and nodes, while an assessment of locations for future International Logistics Centre (ILC) projects as well as an evaluation of the main issues of transport operators were provided.
In phase B, NTU focused on the analysis on a more micro-level. Different assessments were undertaken to determine the most promising projects in each direct beneficiary country, bearing in mind the TRACECA network integrity. Round table discussions and regional workshops were organised to foster stakeholder engagement, to get a better understanding at the local level, to establish stronger partnerships as well as facilitate the decision-making process. Ministerial representatives, policymakers, municipalities, land developers, infrastructure owners, transport companies, freight forwarders, customs, IFIs or logistics operators/cargo owners were invited to the events.
In order to promote realistic and sustainable projects for further investment, a set of feasibility and pre-feasibility studies for selected logistics centres was provided, with a focus on private-public partnerships and efficient custom services. The studies included needs assessments and surveys of the current logistical capabilities, the preliminary design for different categories of required services, equipment and investments, business and organisation plans and financial and economic analyses.
Impact
This project presented valuable information and recommendations in relation to the identification of pragmatic international logistics centre priority projects in the dialogue with the beneficiaries. The work of NTU provided strong basis and analysis for the further development of a network of logistics centres in the region, boosting the multimodal transport along TRACECA corridor and creating added-value for ILC activities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The development of the region's logistic capabilities was aiming at strengthening trade and economy in TRACECA countries and answering efficiently to the future demand of shippers and traffic flows along the corridor.
Presentation of “Europlatforms – European Networks of Logistics Centres” by NTU, ILC Project
Interactive feedback and discussion with the representatives of the beneficiary countries
in relation to modern ICL practices and lessons learnt, 2009