Representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, and Austria attended the consultative meeting, focusing on the structure and framework of the new association.
Key issues discussed included the development of cross-border rail transport, marketing, logistics services, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory matters. The association’s goal is to streamline the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which connects China, Central Asia, and Europe through a multimodal network of rail, road, and sea routes.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing need to diversify transportation routes and improve infrastructure as freight flows between China and Europe continue to grow. The Middle Corridor has become a crucial link, especially with the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway on the western side of the Caspian Sea, and future plans include the construction of the Baku-Nakhchivan-Kars railway.
With a strong emphasis on cooperation, the new Eurasian Transport Route Association aims to improve the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor by implementing digital solutions and optimizing tariff policies. The association will also coordinate efforts to increase cargo volumes and expand transit opportunities for all participating countries, particularly in light of the projected rise in freight demand between Asia and Europe.
The establishment of this association is expected to enhance the region's capacity for efficient, safe, and sustainable cargo transportation, reinforcing the role of the Middle Corridor in international logistics.
