The capital hosts the First Tashkent International Investment Forum. The panel discussion «Digitalization of transport systems» took place within the framework of the event.
In the past five years, the digitalization of Uzbekistan has covered virtually all spheres of the economy. The transport industry is no exception and plays an important role in the development of cities and human settlements.
– First, in the public sector, we have achieved digitalization in all sectors. In particular, in the Ministry of Transport we have moved everything into digital format, – says Jasurbek Choriyev, Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan. – If we talk specifically about individual sectors, then in the field of aviation the biggest step is the digitalization of the airport and Uzbekistan airways, complete digitalization of control. All of this offers great opportunities for partnership. In the railway sector, we are also moving towards digitalization. In particular, high-speed trains have been launched, tickets are sold over a digital platform. In Tashkent, transactions with cash on the approach and the rest of the cities have been reduced by 50 per cent.
In the digital age, the perspective of transport development is determined by new principles of organization of the flow of passengers and cargo. Integrated ecosystem-building of logistics corridors, alternative energy and unmanned systems are all impossible without the end-to-end digitalization of the industry.
Today, the role of the so-called «Middle Corridor» is growing as an alternative to the Northern Corridor connecting China and Central Asia with Turkey and Southern Europe. At the same time, the corridor needs to be improved to increase speed and reduce costs. DP World shared its experience.
– I am pleased to take part in this forum. This is the first time that I have met such a dedicated President, who listens to everyone, who is carrying out important reforms that open Uzbekistan to the world, – says Mahmud Al-Bastaki, Chief Operating Officer, DP World. – As for our company, we use digital tools to optimize the supply chain and logistics. We want the cargo to include all points of movement – from the supplier to the client’s door. The role of digitalization was repeatedly discussed. We would like to note that digitalization is very important for the transport industry. If there is no digitalization, there is room for corruption, movement is slowed, and the quality of cargo operations suffers.
One of our goals is to restore the Silk Road. This is where it needs to be done. Digital solutions will help to solve this problem.
The experience of the International Road Transport Union was also noted.
– What does the transport union want? Steadfastness. Now there is instability, there are challenges, – says Tatiana Rey-Bellet, Director of TIR and Transit, International Road Transport Union. – Digitalization helps to solve problems, which is very important also in terms of document circulation. Today there are two systems of digitalization in the field of international transport of motor vehicles – TIR and CMR and they are both based on the UN Convention.
TRR is used worldwide in 77 countries, including Uzbekistan. Last year we noted a significant increase, and this year an increase of 40%. In Uzbekistan, the use of TRR has brought road freight transport to a new level.
– The first time I was in Uzbekistan in 1992. Today, great changes have taken place in the country, says Ahmed Zafar, Development Director, TCS Holdings, Pakistan. But one thing has remained unchanged – warm and friendly people. TCS Holdings is the largest logistics company in Pakistan. Our business is driven by digitalization. The data we get from our system helps us make quick decisions. We are also the first company in Pakistan to join the E-TRACE in 2018.
Before that, we had four commercial flights to Uzbekistan via Afghanistan. The E-TIR allowed the transition to a different digital plane. We are able to store data and distribute it electronically through all shipping points in the cloud. E – TIR enables global connectivity, helps customs authorities to integrate.
– Digitalization is the imperative of the times and it should also be in the sphere of transport, – says Aset Asavbayev, General Secretary, Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA. – 13 countries are our partners, including Uzbekistan. All of them are digitizing.
There are two main areas: the implementation of international initiatives – which should be carried out in a balanced manner and work not only on the territory of the country but also on the entire transport corridor. The ESMR is the second initiative, aimed at digitalization.