ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 10. Kazakhstan and the EU have discussed plans for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor) as one of the most promising directions, Trend reports.
Discussions on this topic took place during the 15th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU dialogue platform, chaired by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and with the participation of the Ambassador of the EU to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Jankauskas, and the heads of diplomatic missions of the EU countries.
During the meeting, it was noted that about 85 percent of goods from China to EU countries are transported through Kazakhstan, which is a transit hub between Europe and Asia. TITR provides the most competitive delivery time (12–15 days), ensuring maximum attractiveness for trade flows.
The meeting participants expressed interest in unlocking the broad potential of the Middle Corridor. A joint venture, "Middle Corridor Multimodal" was created on the basis of the Astana International Financial Center. The significant role of the European initiative "Global Gateway", which opens up new prospects for investment in the transport industry, was also noted.
"The EU is a large and significant investment and trade partner of Kazakhstan. We are constantly working in all priority areas. The government highly values the contribution and involvement in strengthening cooperation between our countries. We are always open to proposals aimed at building up a mutually beneficial partnership," Olzhas Bektenov noted.
EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kestutis Jankauskas and Romanian Ambassador Madalina Lupu, in turn, positively assessed the work being done in Kazakhstan to improve the business climate. The heads of diplomatic missions also noted the stability and attractiveness of the Kazakhstan economy for European business.
Following the meeting, the participants confirmed their intention to develop and strengthen trade and economic relations, taking the strategic partnership to a new level.
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.
Meanwhile, the EU, as one of Kazakhstan’s key partners, accounts for more than 40 percent of attracted investments and about 30 percent of foreign trade.
Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with EU countries in 2019–2023 increased by 36.2 percent, amounting to $41.4 billion. Exports over 5 years increased by 28.2 percent: from $24.2 billion to $31 billion. Imports increased by 67.6 percent and amounted to $10.4 billion in 2023.