Middle Corridor gains prominence as strategic overland connection

(MENAFN) As international trade networks adjust to avoid routes reliant on Russia and overcrowded maritime passages, the Middle Corridor is gaining prominence as a strategic overland connection between Asia and Europe. Running from China through Central Asia and Türkiye, this route is increasingly reinforcing Türkiye’s position as a pivotal bridge between Eastern and Western markets.

The pathway begins in China’s Lianyungang region and moves westward through Kazakhstan, crosses the Caspian Sea, continues via Azerbaijan and Georgia, and ultimately enters Türkiye. Growing concerns over security risks, higher costs, and bottlenecks along traditional sea routes have led businesses and governments to view this corridor as a viable substitute for both Russia-centered land routes and conventional shipping lanes.

Progress in institutional cooperation picked up following a 2013 accord involving Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, with China later becoming part of the broader framework. Key infrastructure milestones—such as the completion of the Trans-Kazakhstan railway and the launch of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway in 2017—made continuous rail transport between China and Europe possible. At the same time, discussions continue over the proposed Zangezur Corridor, which would connect mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan through Armenia and could further enhance trans-Caspian access into Türkiye if finalized.

According to reports released in November, global trade corridors are undergoing significant reconfiguration due to increasing risks in the Suez Canal and mounting geopolitical pressure on routes passing through Russia. These shifts have contributed to a sharp rise in freight moving along the Middle Corridor, with transported cargo volumes increasing by 62% in 2024 to reach 4.5 million tons, and projections indicating growth to 5.2 million tons by the end of the year.

One of the route’s most notable strengths is speed. While current China–Europe rail services via Russia typically require 20 to 25 days, and sea transport can take between 35 and 45 days, shipments using the Middle Corridor generally arrive in about 18 days. Specialists suggest that improved customs coordination, greater roll-on/roll-off capacity across the Caspian Sea, and full deployment of existing rail assets could shorten transit times further, potentially bringing them down to just 14 days.

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