Bsec-Urta

Bsec-Urta Active promotion of the development of road transport in the BSEC countries and the region

Strengthening Regional Cooperation for the Future of Road TransportThe BSEC-URTA Delegation, consisting of Secretary Gen...
30/07/2026

Strengthening Regional Cooperation for the Future of Road Transport

The BSEC-URTA Delegation, consisting of Secretary General Mehmet Uylukçu, Deputy Secretary General Alpdoğan Kahraman, and BSEC Experts Elif Nuhoğlu and Şadiye Nuhoğlu, had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Çağlar Tabak, the newly appointed Director General of Transport Services Regulation of the Republic of Türkiye.

The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing and constructive cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye and BSEC-URTA on regional transport, border facilitation, multilateral permit systems, digitalization and future transport policies.

One of the most inspiring discussions focused on one of BSEC-URTA’s flagship initiatives: expanding the use of the BSEC Permit System to facilitate exports from Türkiye to Armenia. Such a step would not only support international road transport but also contribute to regional dialogue, friendship, peace and economic prosperity across the Black Sea region.

The delegation and the Ministry also exchanged views on strengthening the image of the road transport profession, supporting professional drivers, and enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, which will shape the future of transport.

We sincerely thank Dr. Çağlar Tabak for his warm hospitality and wish him every success in his new position.

Together, we continue working to make the impossible possible through cooperation, connectivity and friendship.

24/07/2026

🚛 Waiting Trucks at Kipi Border Crossing… A Modern Odyssey? 🎼

It seems that Odysseus has returned to the Kipi Border Crossing…

The only difference is that this time, instead of a wooden horse, there is a queue of trucks stretching as far as the eye can see.

For the international road transport community, every hour spent waiting at a border means delayed deliveries, increased costs, and unnecessary pressure on professional drivers.

While the soundtrack reminds us of an ancient Greek epic, the challenge facing our industry is very real.

Following the joint letter submitted by BSEC-URTA and its member associations, and the subsequent field visit to the Kipi Border Crossing, the need for practical measures to improve border connectivity and efficiency has once again become evident.

We sincerely hope that the next chapter of this story will not be another epic journey—but a modern, efficient, and seamless border crossing for the entire Black Sea transport community.

🚛 Road transport should connect economies—not write new Odysseys.

Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative Brings the BSEC Road Transport Community TogetherImproving border connec...
24/07/2026

Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative Brings the BSEC Road Transport Community Together

Improving border connectivity is not just about infrastructure—it is about strengthening regional trade, facilitating international road transport, and creating more efficient transport corridors.

It was a pleasure to take part in the Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative, bringing together representatives of the BSEC road transport community, public authorities, and industry stakeholders to discuss practical solutions for smoother border crossings and stronger regional cooperation.

As BSEC-URTA, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance connectivity, reduce border bottlenecks, and contribute to more sustainable and competitive transport networks across the BSEC region.

Together, stronger cooperation creates stronger corridors.
https://bsec-urta.org/2026/07/24/kipi-connectivity-%ce%b4%ce%b9%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b4%ce%b5%cf%83%ce%b9%ce%bc%cf%8c%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%84%ce%b1-initiative-brings-the-bsec-road-transport-community-together/

BSEC-URTA Expert Elif Nuhoğlu Featured in IRU Publication on Women in Road TransportThe BSEC-URTA International Secretar...
16/07/2026

BSEC-URTA Expert Elif Nuhoğlu Featured in IRU Publication on Women in Road Transport

The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat is pleased to announce that Ms. Elif Nuhoğlu, BSEC-URTA Expert and EU & International Relations Unit Manager of UND, has been featured in an important publication by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) highlighting Türkiye’s efforts to address the professional driver shortage by encouraging greater participation of women in road transport.

One of the key messages of the publication is Ms. Nuhoğlu’s emphasis that professional driving is not merely a job, but also a gateway to different career paths within the logistics sector. She noted that many successful road transport entrepreneurs and fleet owners in Türkiye began their careers as professional drivers. “These experiences show how the profession can offer opportunities for long-term career development, business ownership and entrepreneurship,” she stated. Ms. Nuhoğlu also underlined that many experienced drivers later progress to positions such as fleet supervisors, transport managers, trainers or compliance specialists, while some establish their own road transport companies.

The publication further stresses that increasing the employment of women drivers requires more than training alone. Safer truck parking areas, shorter waiting times at border crossings, wider use of digital transport solutions and improved working conditions are essential to making the profession more attractive to women and younger generations. In this context, eCMR and other digital transport applications were highlighted as important tools for reducing administrative burdens and improving drivers’ daily working environment. BSEC-URTA congratulates Ms. Elif Nuhoğlu on her valuable contribution and remains committed to supporting gender equality, professional development, digitalisation and sustainable road transport throughout the BSEC region.

BSEC-URTA and UNDP Discussed Joint Border Crossing Model and Future CooperationBSEC-URTA Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Uy...
16/07/2026

BSEC-URTA and UNDP Discussed Joint Border Crossing Model and Future Cooperation

BSEC-URTA Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Uylukçu, Deputy Secretary General Mr. Alpdoğan Kahraman, and BSEC Experts Ms. Elif Nuhoğlu and Ms. Şadiye Nuhoğlu met with representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye on 14 July 2026 at the TOBBUND Headquarters in Ankara.

The UNDP delegation was represented by Mr. Cem Bayrak, Governance and Social Inclusion Portfolio Manager, and Ms. Ceyda Alpay, Economic Growth and Competitiveness Portfolio Manager.

During the meeting, UNDP presented its ongoing programmes and initiatives in the fields of governance, sustainable development, economic growth and social inclusion. In return, the BSEC-URTA delegation introduced the organization's activities, including its Working Groups on digitalisation, border crossing facilitation, passenger transport, women in road transport and regional transport cooperation. The parties also exchanged views on professional driver visas, the digitalisation of international transport conventions, the implementation of eTIR and other digital transport solutions, as well as the importance of strengthening the Middle Corridor and the Development Road Corridor.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the mutual interest in cooperating on the Joint Border Crossing Model, which BSEC-URTA considers one of the most effective tools for reducing border waiting times, facilitating international trade and improving transport connectivity throughout the BSEC region. The parties also discussed potential cooperation on driver welfare, road safety and sustainable transport, and agreed to continue their dialogue through future joint projects, workshops and technical cooperation.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Nejla Albayrak, General Coordinator of UND.

The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye delegation for the productive discussions and looks forward to strengthening cooperation in support of sustainable transport, regional connectivity and sustainable economic development across the BSEC region.

BSEC-URTA and ESCAP Discussed Future Cooperation on Regional Transport and ConnectivityThe BSEC-URTA International Secre...
13/07/2026

BSEC-URTA and ESCAP Discussed Future Cooperation on Regional Transport and Connectivity

The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat held an online introductory meeting with Mr. Edouard Chong, Economic Affairs Officer of the Transport Connectivity and Logistics Section, Transport Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).

BSEC-URTA was represented by Deputy Secretary General Alpdoğan Kahraman, BSEC Experts Elif Nuhoğlu and Şadiye Nuhoğlu, and Senior Advisor Adrian Albu.

During the meeting, the participants highlighted that ESCAP and BSEC-URTA share a common vision of strengthening transport connectivity between East and West through efficient and sustainable logistics networks. Both sides emphasized that many transport modes are already supported by international conventions protecting drivers' rights, facilitating transport operations and promoting regional integration.

The meeting also underlined the significant cooperation potential between the two organizations, particularly in the BSEC region, Asia and the common transport corridors connecting the two regions.

BSEC-URTA presented its ongoing activities on border crossing facilitation, digitalization, eTIR and digital transport documents, women in road transport, passenger transport and sustainable logistics policies.

The parties agreed to continue their dialogue, explore opportunities for joint workshops and technical cooperation, and encourage mutual participation in each other's General Assemblies, conferences and transport events, with the common objective of strengthening regional connectivity and international transport cooperation.

BSEC-URTA Participates in the Coordination Meeting of the Hellenic Chairmanship-in-Office of BSEC (CiO)BSEC-URTA partici...
06/07/2026

BSEC-URTA Participates in the Coordination Meeting of the Hellenic Chairmanship-in-Office of BSEC (CiO)

BSEC-URTA participated in the online Coordination Meeting of the Hellenic Chairmanship-in-Office (CiO) of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), held on 3 July 2026, with the participation of the BSEC Committee of Senior Officials (CSO), BSEC Related Bodies and the BSEC Permanent International Secretariat (PERMIS).

At the outset, BSEC-URTA expresses its sincere appreciation to the Georgian Chairmanship-in-Office for its successful leadership, constructive cooperation and valuable contribution to strengthening regional dialogue and economic cooperation throughout its term.

The meeting focused on the presentation of the priorities of the Hellenic Chairmanship-in-Office under the motto "Moving Forward: Promoting Regional Economic Cooperation in the Wider Black Sea Area", as well as the approval of the BSEC Calendar of Events for the second half of 2026. The priorities include advancing the implementation of the BSEC Economic Agenda, strengthening regional connectivity, promoting people-to-people contacts, enhancing cooperation with international partners, and reinforcing the project-oriented character of BSEC.

BSEC-URTA welcomes the strong emphasis placed by the Hellenic Chairmanship on transport, connectivity and regional cooperation, noting that these priorities closely correspond with the objectives of the international road transport sector throughout the BSEC region.

As Greece is one of the key transit countries connecting the BSEC region with the European Union, BSEC-URTA expresses its sincere hope that the ongoing modernization of the Kipi Border Crossing will further facilitate international road transport and enhance regional connectivity. Furthermore, BSEC-URTA expresses its sincere expectation that Greece will, in the near future, become an active participant in the BSEC Permit System, particularly for transit operations, thereby making a valuable contribution to transport facilitation and regional integration among BSEC Member States.

BSEC-URTA was represented by Deputy Secretary General Alpdoğan Kahraman and BSEC Experts Şadiye Nuhoğlu and Elif Nuhoğlu from the BSEC-URTA International Secretariat.

The International Secretariat congratulates the Hellenic Republic on assuming the BSEC Chairmanship-in-Office and wishes the Hellenic Chairmanship every success in fulfilling its mandate and further promoting regional economic cooperation, sustainable transport and enhanced connectivity throughout the Black Sea region.

BSEC-URTA Secretary General Addressed the 67th PABSEC General AssemblyBSEC-URTA Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Uylukçu par...
06/07/2026

BSEC-URTA Secretary General Addressed the 67th PABSEC General Assembly
BSEC-URTA Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Uylukçu participated in the 67th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), held in Mtskheta, Georgia, from 29 June to 1 July 2026.

In his address, Mr. Uylukçu emphasized the strong cooperation between BSEC-URTA and PABSEC, thanking PABSEC Secretary General Mr. Asaf Hajiyev for his continued support.

He highlighted BSEC-URTA's role as the sectoral dialogue partner of the BSEC Organization and informed the Assembly that more than 40,000 BSEC Permits have been issued in 2026. He also announced that the International Secretariat is working on a multi-permit system to further facilitate regional transport.

Mr. Uylukçu drew attention to the challenges facing the road transport sector, including the impact of the Iran crisis on transport costs and the implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). He reiterated BSEC-URTA's call for international road transport drivers to be recognized as professional transport workers, with a review of the current 90-day stay rule in the Schengen Area.

He also presented the ongoing work of BSEC-URTA's Working Groups on digitalization, women in road transport, and passenger transport, reaffirming the organization's commitment to modernizing transport systems and strengthening regional cooperation.

During the General Assembly, BSEC PERMIS Secretary General Ambassador Lazar Comanescu also addressed the participants, presenting the activities of the BSEC Organization during the Georgian Chairmanship and underlining the importance of cooperation between BSEC and PABSEC.

BSEC-URTA Secretary General Mehmet Uylukçu Participated in the 52nd Meeting of the BSEC Council of Ministers of Foreign ...
06/07/2026

BSEC-URTA Secretary General Mehmet Uylukçu Participated in the 52nd Meeting of the BSEC Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs
BSEC-URTA Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Uylukçu participated in the 52nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (CMFA) of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), held online on 15 June 2026.

The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Alexander Khvtisiashvili, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, in his capacity as the Georgian Chairmanship-in-Office of BSEC. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr. Khvtisiashvili and BSEC PERMIS Secretary General Ambassador Lazar Comanescu.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the latest developments within the BSEC Organization and exchange views on strengthening regional cooperation and promoting practical initiatives among the BSEC Member States.

The meeting concluded with the official transfer of the BSEC Chairmanship-in-Office from Georgia to the Hellenic Republic for the period 1 July – 31 December 2026.

The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to supporting regional cooperation and strengthening sustainable transport, trade facilitation and logistics connectivity across the Black Sea region.

BSEC-URTA expresses its sincere appreciation to the Georgian Chairmanship-in-Office for its successful leadership and valuable contribution to regional cooperation, and wishes the Hellenic Republic every success during its Chairmanship-in-Office.

BSEC-URTA Engages in EU Connectivity Agenda Platform in Brussels, Highlights Strategic Role of the Middle CorridorBSEC-U...
26/06/2026

BSEC-URTA Engages in EU Connectivity Agenda Platform in Brussels, Highlights Strategic Role of the Middle Corridor

BSEC-URTA participated in the opening event of the EU Connectivity Agenda Platform, held on 23 June in Brussels, upon invitation from the European Union.

The high-level gathering brought together key stakeholders from the European Union, international financial institutions, and partner regions to discuss the future of sustainable and resilient transport, energy, and digital connectivity between Europe, Asia, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
EU Emphasizes Shifting Geopolitical Connectivity Landscape
In her opening remarks, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, highlighted that traditional trade and transport routes between Europe and Asia are undergoing significant disruption due to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

She noted that the Northern Corridor has been heavily affected by developments related to Russia, while southern routes face increasing security challenges. Against this backdrop, she underscored the Middle Corridor as the most viable and strategic alternative for strengthening Europe–Asia connectivity.

High-Level Bilateral Engagements

During the event, the BSEC-URTA delegation, led by President Eduart Kasa, held discussions with senior representatives of the European Union, including Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

The delegation also emphasized the strategic importance of the Black Sea region in advancing the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, underlining its role as a key transit hub linking Europe and Asia.

Engagement with EU Transport Leadership

BSEC-URTA also met with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

Participation of Major International Financial Institutions

The event gathered senior representatives from leading global financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation, and the World Bank.

These institutions highlighted the importance of mobilizing investment for sustainable transport infrastructure and strengthening regional economic integration across Europe and Asia.

Focus on the Middle Corridor and Regional Connectivity

Throughout the discussions, participants addressed key priorities including:
BSEC-URTA remains a trusted partner of the European Union, committed to promoting efficient, sustainable, and secure transport networks across the Black Sea region and beyond.

Development of the Middle Corridor as a resilient Eurasian trade route

Strengthening the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

Enhancing connectivity across transport, energy, and digital infrastructure

Aligning investment frameworks with regional integration goals

BSEC-URTA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting efficient, sustainable, and secure transport networks across the Black Sea region, emphasizing its strategic role in facilitating Europe–Asia connectivity in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment

Address

Esentepe Mah. , TOBB Plaza, Harman Sokak, 10/10, Şişli
Istanbul

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