*Call for Resilient Regional Transport Systems: Iranian Minister Champions Digital Integration at the New Silk Road Forum*

Addressing the technical panel at the 8th New Silk Road International Transport Business Forum in Kazakhstan, the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development called upon member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to forge a joint commitment to multilateralism, innovation, and regional solidarity. Her Excellency reiterated that the implementation of regional digital platforms across transit corridors will significantly enhance transparency and mitigate processing delays.

Delivering her keynote address at the panel titled "The Digital Silk Road: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies in Logistics," Minister Farzaneh Sadegh extended her profound appreciation to the Kazakh government for hosting the summit in the beautiful city of Astana, expressing optimism that the forum's outcomes would serve as a strategic blueprint for advancing infrastructure development and bolstering regional transport connectivity.

The Minister underscored that adopting a corridor-centric strategy is paramount for completing global transport networks. "Regional infrastructure development must systematically address the missing links within transit corridors to establish a cohesive network that accelerates cross-border trade," she stated, noting that this infrastructural push, coupled with the comprehensive digitalization of transport, presents an unparalleled opportunity to streamline logistics operations, reduce overhead costs and maximize corridor efficiency.

Highlighting Iran's geopolitical significance as a vital nexus connecting Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Minister Sadegh reaffirmed the nation's role as a steadfast partner in driving regional integration and global competitiveness. "Modernizing transport and logistics infrastructure is the cornerstone of trade facilitation," she noted, detailing Iran's strategic investments in expanding its interconnected railway, highway, and port networks.

Crucially, the Minister highlighted that the strategic Port of Chabahar in southeastern Iran—a vital gateway granting landlocked Central Asian nations access to open seas—has been integrated into the national rail network, ensuring cost-effective and unhindered transit access for regional partners. Furthermore, Her Excellency reiterated Iran's unwavering commitment to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal network linking India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Northern Europe, which holds immense potential to redefine regional trade dynamics.

Addressing the digital transition, Minister Sadegh highlighted Iran's proactive adoption of smart technologies, including integrated customs management systems, automated cargo tracking, and predictive supply chain analytics. She championed the creation of unified regional digital platforms as a prerequisite for seamless, non-stop border crossings.

In her concluding remarks, the Minister appealed to the participating dignitaries: "Let us reaffirm our shared dedication to multilateralism and innovation. Together, we can construct highly resilient transport systems and elevate regional connectivity, ensuring a rapid path to prosperity for all our nations. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions for seamless regional transit."