Program

The development and modernization of the Caucasus region’s transport infrastructure requires coordinated understanding of the situation and necessary actions by all partners interested in enhancing the competitiveness of the North-South Corridor. In this respect, it is becoming more important to unite the resources of the region’s states, transport business and finance community in the process of integrating the infrastructure and implementing large-scale logistics projects.

• Key priorities for developing the infrastructure and technological platforms for transportation services
• Mechanisms and institutions of coordinating joint efforts to develop the transport infrastructure of the North-South Corridor
• Projects to overcome infrastructure restrictions in implementing new transit routes
• Developing regional port and terminal infrastructure: priorities and prospects
• Attracting and integrating financial resources for implementing international transport projects
• Recommendations of leading investors on how to make infrastructure projects more attractive to investors

The implementation of the transport and logistics potential of the North-South Corridor largely depends on efficient cooperation between rail companies and sea ports. Amid global competition, the creation of multi-functional transport hubs allows for the cheaper and quicker transportation of freight. Enhancing the attractiveness of the Caucasus’ logistics infrastructure by developing the comprehensive multi-modal service will help to effectively implement the transit potential of the entire 1520 space, boosting the development of transport companies.

• 1520 and 1435: problems of technological integration in terms of transit
• Key aspects of cooperation between transport process participants in ports
• Effective customs regulation as a factor of competitiveness of export/import freight carriage

The Caucasus region is in many respects unique for its rugged terrain. Local geographical conditions often pose tough problems for building infrastructure. Laying roads in mountain terrain often involves constructing many tunnels. The pioneering experience of comprehensive design and construction solutions related to the combined (rail and road) link between Adler and the mountain resort of Alpika-Service and similar infrastructure projects will be useful for the preparation and implementation of projects to build transport corridors in the South Caucasus.

• Difficulty levels for infrastructure design in mountain terrain. Special features of high capacity combined roads. Special characteristics of engineering research, development of project materials and design documentation.
• Effective use of resources in construction for organising simultaneous work in all sections. Centralised management of large projects, including cost optimisation plans. 
• Tunnel construction, including choice of technology with respect to the duration, mountain and geological terrain, and experience of project implementation in any given region. Rational use of tunnel boring machines and other special equipment.

SWOT analysis is one of the key tools in strategic management, consisting of comprehensive assessment based on four criteria: Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Cooperation in developing infrastructure and creating new transport routes is one of the key conditions for enhancing the competitiveness of the 1520 space railway network. The Qazvin-Rasht-Astara line is a vital international infrastructure project, which will increase the freight flow of the North-South Transport Corridor. How do the partners’ plans correspond to macroeconomic trends? How far is the development of this trend harmonized with other projects implemented in the Caucasus region? What are the risks for the maximum effective implementation of the route’s potential? A comprehensive approach to this and other issues will be developed by the Forum participants during detailed discussion of the project.