A Strategic Bridge Between Continents
By: Mr. Ovais Ali Khokhar, Chairman, Board of Experts, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad
Kazakhstan is emerging as a central player in the Middle Corridor, a strategic trade route connecting China’s Pacific coast to Europe. This corridor runs through Central Asia and Kazakhstan, crosses the Caspian Sea, and continues into the South Caucasus before reaching Europe.
In 2022, transit cargo volume on this route hit a record 1.5 million tons, increasing 2.5 times compared to the previous year. This surge underscores the corridor’s growing relevance, despite its current limitations in capacity and cost when compared to maritime alternatives.
Kazakhstan’s Transit Power: Infrastructure and Connectivity
Thanks to its unique geographical location between Asia and Europe, Kazakhstan acts as a vital transit country. It boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure that includes:
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Railways stretching over 1,700 kilometers, Modern road networks, Air and port facilities, Cross-border trade corridors
This system positions Kazakhstan as a key hub for moving goods such as oil, gas, agricultural products, machinery, and chemicals between East and West.
In the first half of 2023, Kazakhstan’s rail network moved more than 202 million tons of cargo, with a total turnover exceeding 162.99 billion ton-kilometers.
The Route Across the Caspian Sea
Cargo transported via rail is shipped across the Caspian Sea using feeder services into Baku, Azerbaijan. From there, it continues through Azerbaijan and Georgia to Black Sea ports, eventually reaching Europe.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Middle Corridor’s rail transport saw a 63.7% increase. New initiatives, such as block train agreements and multimodal transport strategies across the Caspian, are in the pipeline to improve efficiency.
The Middle Corridor and Geopolitical Balance
Also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Middle Corridor is more than a logistics route it’s a strategic geopolitical asset. Many Eurasian countries depend on this corridor to balance relations between global powers, using it as a foundation for their multi-vector foreign policies.
As an alternative to the Northern and Southern Corridors, the Middle Corridor strengthens regional economic integration, supports logistics performance, and enables reliable import and export flows. Resilient infrastructure and dependable logistics providers are crucial for sustaining this momentum.
Partnerships and Regional Trade Development
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen trade partnerships to support growth and supply chain resilience. A recent example is a new rail-sea route launched through Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea via Azerbaijan and Georgia to the Black Sea. This route links China to Europe, offering companies a faster, low-emissions alternative to ocean freight.
Shorter transit times mean goods can reach markets quickly. Electrified rail systems also contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with sustainability goals.
Future Plans and Diplomatic Ties
Kazakhstan has actively signed multiple agreements to advance trade relations. In July, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov emphasized the upcoming “Comprehensive Program on Development of Cooperation” between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan (2022–2026), expected to boost regional cooperation.
Additionally, Kazakh investors are being encouraged to explore opportunities in the Alyat Free Economic Zone, benefiting from favorable business conditions.
Conclusion: A Pillar of Global Trade Connectivity
Kazakhstan’s strategic location, strong infrastructure, and diplomatic engagement make it a critical link between Asia and Europe. Its dedication to trade facilitation and multilateral cooperation reflects a vision for a more connected, prosperous world.
As global trade evolves, the Middle Corridor powered by Kazakhstan’s leadership—will play a central role in fostering regional stability, economic growth, and international collaboration.
