Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan view the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route ("Middle Corridor" TITR) as a crucial factor in their economic development, and thus are investing significant funds in infrastructure development and the modernization of road and rail networks, reports Ritmeurasia.ru.
Middle Corridor - TITR
The main advantage of TITR is considered to be a faster way to deliver goods from China to Europe compared to the route through the Suez Canal. In essence, the 11,000 km long TITR has become an alternative to the "North-South" (via Iran) and "East-West" (Trans-Siberian) transport corridors, although it has not yet become a serious competitor to them.
Nevertheless, as noted by Anna Alshanskaya, head of the economic policy analysis department at the Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan, "freight flows through the Middle Corridor are increasing, and it is becoming more attractive against the backdrop of various geopolitical changes. Thanks to the efforts of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, our countries' positions as transport hubs will be strengthened, contributing to the connection of Europe with Asia and providing economic benefits."
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 10, 2024