ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 6. To further increase container traffic along the China-Europe route, Kazakhstan proposed to more actively use the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Trend reports.
As the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov said at the 6th China International Import Exhibition in Shanghai, the Middle Corridor will reduce the time of transportation of goods by almost half.
"Intensifying trade in the current geopolitical environment requires new and innovative approaches. Therefore, it is also important to develop transport and logistics cooperation. Currently, Kazakhstan plays a strategic role as a regional transport and logistics hub, becoming a key link connecting the Eurasian continent with the Asia-Pacific region. About 85 percent of all land transit traffic from China to Europe occurs in Kazakhstan," he said.
Alikhan Smailov noted that Kazakhstan, together with China, is implementing such large infrastructure projects as the international road corridor "Western Europe - Western China", a logistics center in the port of Lianyungang, the international cross-border trade center "Khorgos", a joint dry port in the zone "Khorgos - Eastern Gate", a new railway corridor "China – Kazakhstan – Turkmenistan – Iran", etc.
In addition, the PM added that the construction of Kazakh terminals in the city of Xi'an (China) and the Georgian port of Poti is in full swing. It is planned to build a 3rd railway checkpoint on the Kazakh-Chinese border, "dry ports" at the Bakhty and Kalzhat crossings, a container hub in Aktau, as well as the expansion of port facilities on the Black Sea along the Middle Corridor.
"We invite Chinese transport companies to participate in the listed projects, and transport and logistics operators to actively use the cross-border transport infrastructure available in Kazakhstan," he added.
The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor.
The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye before reaching Europe.
The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes.