Russia Is Losing Its Grip on Central Asia’s Logistics
Economy
Central Asian countries are diversifying their transport routes to reduce dependence on individual corridors and make trade more resilient to geopolitical risks. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor, is gaining particular importance as a link between China, Central Asia and European markets.
The route runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye. Its role has expanded significantly since 2022. In the first 11 months of 2024, freight volumes along the Middle Corridor reached 4.1 million tonnes, up 63%, while container traffic rose to 50,500 TEU.
Countries along the route are also investing in logistics infrastructure and new mechanisms to improve its capacity. Joint ventures have been established, while regional partners are working on expanding the corridor and improving its efficiency.
Diversification is not limited to the Middle Corridor. The southern route through Iran is also attracting growing attention. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway could become an important part of this network. According to estimates, the project could shorten the route between East Asia and Europe by around 900 kilometres and reduce delivery times by 7–8 days.
China remains one of the region’s key partners in transport infrastructure development. Central Asia is therefore building a more diversified logistics network, combining existing routes with new corridors to strengthen its position in Eurasian trade.
Countries along the route are also investing in logistics infrastructure and new mechanisms to improve its capacity. Joint ventures have been established, while regional partners are working on expanding the corridor and improving its efficiency.
Diversification is not limited to the Middle Corridor. The southern route through Iran is also attracting growing attention. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway could become an important part of this network. According to estimates, the project could shorten the route between East Asia and Europe by around 900 kilometres and reduce delivery times by 7–8 days.
China remains one of the region’s key partners in transport infrastructure development. Central Asia is therefore building a more diversified logistics network, combining existing routes with new corridors to strengthen its position in Eurasian trade.
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