CAREC Chai 6: Enhancing the Middle Transport Corridor – Unlocking Opportunities in the Heart of Eurasia

The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, links Asia and Europe via Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, entering the EU through the Caucasus. The Middle Corridor, with an annual throughput capacity of 5.8 million tons and the ability to handle over 80,000 TEU containers, has gained prominence in international trade and transportation.

The Middle Corridor offers significant opportunities by providing a shorter route with only 7,000 kilometers that is less impacted by geopolitics for the transportation of goods between China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. However, challenges such as high costs, limited port capacity, regulatory hurdles, competition with other routes, and geopolitical uncertainties threaten its development. Success hinges on aligning political relations, regional infrastructure, and technological advancements.