Lobyrev V., Tikhomirov A., Tsukarev T., Vinokurov E. (2018) Silk Way Transport Corridors: Barriers and Investments. EDB Centre for Integration Studies Report no. 50. St. Petersburg: Eurasian Development Bank.
This report presents the results of an analysis of the impact that international freight traffic barriers have on logistics, transit potential, and development of transport corridors traversing EAEU member states. The authors of EDB Centre for Integration Studies Report No. 49 maintain that, if current railway freight rates and Chinese railway subsidies remain in place, by 2020 container traffic along the China-EAEU-EU axis may reach 250,000 FEU. At the same time, long-term freight traffic growth is restricted by a number of internal and external factors. The question is: What can be done to fully realise the existing trans-Eurasian transit potential? Removal of non-tariff and technical barriers is one of the key target areas. Restrictions discussed in this report include infrastructural (transport and logistical infrastructure), border/customs-related, and administrative/legal restrictions. The findings of a survey conducted among European consignors is a valuable source of information on these subjects. The authors present their recommendations regarding what can be done to remove the barriers that hamper international freight traffic along the China-EAEU-EU axis.
