A unified association of Middle Corridor countries was discussed in Baku

On September 19-20, a consultative meeting of the heads of railway administrations was held in Baku, dedicated to the establishment of the International Association "Eurasian Transport Route" (ETR).

The event was attended by the heads and representatives of the railway administrations of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, and Austria. The meeting discussed the documents for the establishment of the International Association ETR, the structure of the organization, the creation of working groups, and other important issues. There was also an exchange of views on topics such as the digitalization of the route, commercial issues, marketing and communications, logistics services, regulatory acts, and infrastructure.

The Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways (AR), Rovshan Rustamov, noted in his speech that the dynamics of global logistics markets are changing, with an observed increase in freight flows from China to Europe and vice versa, which is projected to continue in the coming years. This creates a need for new infrastructure and diversification of transport routes.

"On the eastern shore of the Caspian, another direction of the Middle Corridor is being formed. The route covers the territories of China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, connecting railways, roads, and sea routes, as well as infrastructure components. To increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of this multimodal route, as well as to effectively coordinate and develop the route overall, there is a need to establish a collegial body – the association," R. Rustamov noted.

He also emphasized that on the western shore of the Caspian, in addition to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line, work is underway to create the Baku-Nakhchivan-Kars railway line as an additional branch of the Middle Corridor. At the same time, the connection of the Middle Corridor with the North-South Corridor is expected to expand transit opportunities for both Azerbaijan and its partners.

"As for the eastern side of the Caspian, goods are transported through Kyrgyzstan to the Uzbek city of Andijan, connecting to the railway network from the Chinese province of Kashgar via a road. Recently, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan reached an agreement on the construction of a railway in this section, with the work planned to be completed in the coming years. This new railway line will open new opportunities for other countries in the region, including Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. There is also potential to establish connections between the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Afghan Corridor," added R. Rustamov.

The AR Chairman noted that structured work is necessary to achieve the set goals, including the development of the corridor concept, the formation of tariff policies, the improvement of operational efficiency, and the study and implementation of digital solutions along the Middle Corridor for faster and safer transportation.

The Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways JSC, Zufar Narzullaev, supported the idea and noted that there is growing interest from European countries in Central Asian markets, particularly Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is also showing interest in freight operations along the Eurasian Transport Route.

Ufuk Yalçın, General Director and Chairman of the Board of "TCDD Taşımacılık," emphasized the great potential for freight transportation along the Eurasian Transport Route. He added that the modernized Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line would significantly boost the volume of cargo along the Middle Corridor.

President of China Railway Container Transport Corporation (CRCT), Yang Bin, highlighted China's interest in increasing freight along the Middle Corridor and noted that CRCT's participation in the joint venture "Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd." will contribute to the growth of cargo volumes on this route.

The Deputy Director of the State Unitary Enterprise "Tajik Railways," Sorbon Kulakhmadov, and the Deputy General Director of the State Company "Kyrgyz Temir Zholu," Dastan Ulubakunov, also expressed their countries' interest in freight transportation along the Middle Corridor. It was noted that an agreement was reached this year on the construction of a new Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway, and the implementation of this project will further enhance the role of the ETR. At the same time, goods delivered by road through Tajikistan could be transported westward via the Eurasian Transport Route.

The Deputy Chairman of the Turkmenistan Railways Agency, Bekmurat Ishanguliyev, who joined the meeting online, expressed support for initiatives to develop the Middle Corridor, particularly regarding improving access to Europe for Central Asian countries.

After the speeches, the founding protocol and charter of the association were discussed. AR also presented a diagnostic report on "Challenges and Barriers," "Route Digitalization," and "International Route and Sustainable Development: New Horizons."

It should be noted that Azerbaijan Railways is already actively participating in reforms within the framework of the International Association "Trans-Caspian International Transport Route" (TITR) to develop the Middle Corridor. As part of the reforms, commissions and working groups have been established for the effective organization of freight transportation from China through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Azerbaijan's successful cooperation with Georgia and Turkey continues within the framework of TITR. The goal of the new International Association "Eurasian Transport Route" is to further expand the route by actively involving countries located on the southern branch of the Middle Corridor.