The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is emerging as a vital trade link between China and Europe, passing through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus, offering a compelling alternative to traditional routes, according to a report by Day.Az.
At the heart of this corridor’s development is the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Türkiye. Turkmenistan serves as the “maritime gateway” to Central Asia, while Türkiye acts as the western hub connecting to Europe, together forming a critical axis for global logistics and enhancing supply chain resilience.
Turkmenistan’s infrastructure, particularly the Turkmenbashi International Seaport with a capacity of 17 million tons of cargo annually, including 400,000 containers, supports seamless trade flows. Ports in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan further ensure efficient goods movement along the route. To meet growing transit demand, Turkmenistan is expanding its maritime capabilities. In July 2025, the state agency Turkmen Maritime and River Transport announced a tender for designing and building two Ro-Ro railway ferries and one dry cargo vessel. Cargo transport via maritime and river routes reached 2,410 tons in the first nine months of 2024, a 11.88% increase from the previous year.
Turkmenistan’s commitment to diversifying trade routes is evident in projects like a new freight route launched in early 2025, connecting China to Europe via Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Türkiye. This underscores Turkmenistan’s active role in creating new logistical pathways. Additionally, the Ashgabat International Airport’s cargo terminal, the region’s largest and most advanced, can handle up to 200,000 tons of cargo annually, facilitating time-sensitive shipments like perishables and medical goods.
Turkish companies play a significant role in developing Turkmenistan’s transport infrastructure. Gap İnşaat built the $2 billion Turkmenbashi Port, a major step in modernizing the country’s transport system. Polimeks led the construction of airports in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi, transforming them into key regional logistics hubs, with the Ashgabat airport earning a Guinness World Record for the “largest building with a wingspan.”
Efforts to streamline operations include discussions on establishing a Simplified Customs Corridor to expedite procedures and the signing of an Agreement on International Coordinated Cargo Transportation to optimize logistics. Beyond the Middle Corridor, Turkmenistan and Türkiye’s partnership spans various economic sectors, with bilateral trade reaching $2.17 billion in 2024 and continuing to grow. Türkiye ranks among Turkmenistan’s top trade partners, with Turkish investments exceeding $200 million, a significant share of the country’s total foreign direct investment.
Turkish conglomerates like Çalık Holding (via Gap İnşaat and Çalık Enerji) and Polimeks contribute to major projects, including power plants, factories, and the Olympic Village. Turkish textile company Bursali invested $22.5 million in a factory expected to create 1,000 jobs, supporting Turkmenistan’s diversification into new industries.
The World Bank projects that with further development, the Middle Corridor’s trade volume could triple by 2030, with transit times halved. Currently taking 19–23 days from China to Europe, the route is expected to shrink to 12–13 days by 2027. The Turkmenistan-Türkiye partnership exemplifies how countries are leveraging global trade shifts to achieve mutual goals, fostering a long-term strategic alliance centered on the Middle Corridor’s success.
https://news.day.az/economy/1780239.html