Informing macrologistics connectivity in emerging economies through a triangulated research approach: the case of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has the potential to become a regional hub linking Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe. In order to inform the implementation of Uzbekistan’s Strategy for the Development of the Transport System, a triangulated research approach was followed to develop a spatially and commodity-level freight flow model for the country. The model outputs highlight that freight flow distribution is heavily skewed towards the East, that the country has significant exposure to freight risks beyond the borders due to the inordinate long distances of cross-border flows, and that demand for transport, and logistics costs, are high relative to gross domestic product. Transport policy, infrastructure development and the role of transport and logistics in development planning should therefore be prioritised as a strategic input into economic growth and development success, including the intelligence that enables these activities. There seem to be opportunities for domestic and regional consolidation, which can lead to the improved use of rail and intermodal solutions and support the development of effective special economic zones. These outputs can be refined with access to more detailed data.