BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Ahlers Logistics sees potential to further expand its services along the Trans-Caspian International Trade Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Johan Elzes, New Growth Business Unit Director at Ahlers Logistics, told Trend.
"For Ahlers Logistics, compliance stands as a cornerstone of our business. Although the North-South Transport Corridor is a vital link for trade, it is troubled by sanctions and unexpected events. Our customer base is made up of Western companies looking for new routes to Central Asia and China, bypassing Russia and Iran. Thus, we see significant potential in further expanding our transportation services along the TITR," he said.
According to him, the Middle Corridor not only offers access to booming markets but also facilitates trade routes to the Middle East, North Africa, and the European Mediterranean region.
"Our focus is on leveraging our comprehensive solutions and deep understanding of the region's challenges to offer these end-to-end solutions tailored to the needs of European and American companies. We understand the challenges posed by limited infrastructure capacity and fluctuating transport prices along this route. The TITR is still lacking cooperation among the involved states. This translates into a considerable burden for our customers, who are compelled to navigate the requirements of five distinct countries – encompassing customs procedures, legal compliance, certification protocols, and more – while simultaneously engaging with five different local partners," he said.
Johan Elzes noted that Ahlers Logistics serves as a single point of contact, smoothly managing all the challenges along the route.
"We employ a data-driven approach to navigate these challenges, ensuring transparent pricing structures and real-time updates for our clients. We have a strong procurement team of experts in Türkiye, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. Through strategic partnerships, investments, and adherence to European standards and sustainability practices, we aim to even further enhance our presence and capabilities along the Middle Corridor," he said.
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.