The development of digital technologies in the transport sector and their impact on cross-border transport in Eurasia were discussed during the thematic session “Experience of International Organisations and Companies in Advancing Digital Transformation in Cross-Border Transport,” held in Astana as part of the V Eurasian Economic Forum.
The session was opened with welcoming remarks by Bakhyt Sultanov, Minister for Economy and Financial Policy of the EEC.
“The EAEU is steadily building a common digital space, developing electronic document management, and introducing modern technological solutions in transport, customs administration, and logistics,” said Minister Sultanov. “Our shared objective is to ensure seamless transport operations, reduce administrative barriers, and enhance the efficiency of trade and economic cooperation.”
Arzybek Kozhoshev, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure of the EEC, presented an overview of the Commission’s work on the digitalisation of international transport operations. He stressed that digital gaps disrupt logistics, and that the consequences of uncoordinated information platforms are measurable: transport downtime reaches 15–20% of working hours, while empty runs account for up to 18% of trips.
“Today, transport without digital technologies is like a ship without a sail. We all see cargo flows increasing and logistics routes becoming more complex. Under these conditions, digitalisation is no longer a matter of choice — it is a question of business survival and the efficiency of the economy as a whole,” said Arzybek Kozhoshev.
The session’s speakers included Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of UNCITRAL; Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP; Dmitry Maryasin, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); Stéphane Graber, Director General of FIATA; Mikhail Goncharov, Secretary General of the CCTT; Manuel Alejandro Cumbrado Muñiz, Deputy Director General of the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone of the Republic of Cuba; Gennady Bessonov, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the CTS CIS; and Alexey Grom, Director General of UTLC ERA JSC.
Heads of leading international organisations and companies discussed the digitalisation of the transport and logistics sector and the development of modern cross-border transport, as well as key challenges and solutions — from building an innovative transport model based on digital technologies to establishing seamless document management. Participants also examined the role of modern digital tools at border crossing points in enabling effective management of transport flows and logistics.
Particular attention was paid to the development of intermodal transport amid changing global logistics chains. The session also featured a presentation of the UN Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, delivered by Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
Session participants noted that the competitiveness of states and integration blocs is increasingly determined not only by the availability of physical infrastructure, but also by the speed, transparency, and technological sophistication of the processes governing the movement of goods and data.
In closing, the importance of close cooperation at all levels — national, regional, and international — was emphasised. Participants agreed to continue exchanging experience in order to improve international logistics and promote sustainable economic growth.
