The 4th international forum dedicated to the development of the "North — South" international transport corridor is planned to be held in the Russian city of Astrakhan in November. The organizers aim to further expand the international status of this year's event.

The forum envisions increasing the number of participating countries from 15 to 22, and the number of representatives to over 350 people. Representatives of logistics companies from countries such as Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are expected to attend the event.

The international forum will discuss opportunities for developing cooperation along the main routes of the "North — South" transport corridor. In particular, special attention will be paid to issues of more effectively utilizing the potential of the western, Trans-Caspian, and eastern routes of the corridor.

During the meetings, views will be exchanged on increasing the cargo throughput capacity of ports and railways, modernizing transport and logistics infrastructure, and accelerating international freight transportation.

The "North — South" international transport corridor is of great importance to Turkmenistan, and its development allows the country to strengthen its position in the international transport and logistics system and develop new trade routes.

The forum in Astrakhan is expected to give impetus to new initiatives aimed at expanding direct relations between logistics companies of the region's countries, increasing transit cargo volumes, and enhancing the efficiency of the transport corridor.