China Railways and Turkish company Pasifik Eurasia recently pledged to move 1,000 freight trains per year along the Middle Corridor. The first two are currently making their way to Türkiye after departing the Chinese cities of Chengdu and Chongqing, marking the first direct service between the two countries.
“A historic step for the Middle Corridor”, Turkish transport minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on X. The convoys are currently in Kazakhstan and will reach Türkiye after crossing the Caspian Sea. “Our national railway network will ensure these trains reach Europe uninterruptedly”, Uraloğlu added.
The agreement between China Railways and Pasifik Eurasia was inked about a month ago at the Global Transport Corridors Forum in Istanbul. The initial plan is to launch 10 block train connections and to implement regular services in a second stage to reach the 1,000 yearly trains hoped for in the deal.
China and Türkiye’s approach to rail freight
China’s attention towards the Middle Corridor seems to have increased in recent times, especially considering the current geopolitical tensions. Last week, for example, Beijing signed an agreement with Azerbaijan Railways to increase the number of block trains along the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) line, connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye.
For its part, Istanbul is also trying to improve its rail freight industry, which still remains quite marginal for Turkish trade and logistics. With projects such as the BTK and the Halkalı-Kapıkule railway, Türkiye wants to position itself as a rail hub between China and the rest of Europe. Albeit many challenges still lie ahead.
The “Middle Corridor,” also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is a trade route connecting China and Europe through Central Asia and the Caucasus. It offers an alternative to the Northern Corridor (through Russia) and the maritime route via the Suez Canal. The Middle Corridor involves a combination of rail, road, and sea routes, primarily passing through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
Key aspects of the Middle Corridor:
Alternative to existing routes:
It provides a shorter and potentially faster route for trade between Asia and Europe, especially when considering disruptions to the Northern Corridor or maritime routes.
Geopolitical significance:
The Middle Corridor has gained prominence due to geopolitical shifts, including the war in Ukraine and increased focus on diversifying supply chains.
Economic potential:
It aims to boost regional trade, improve connectivity, and unlock trade and development potential for countries along the route.
Infrastructure development:
Significant investments are being made to improve infrastructure, including rail lines, ports, and logistics centers, to enhance the corridor’s efficiency and capacity.
Challenges and opportunities:
The Middle Corridor faces challenges related to infrastructure capacity, operational efficiency, and coordination between various stakeholders, but also presents opportunities for economic growth and regional cooperation.
Stakeholder engagement:
Developing the Middle Corridor requires collaboration between governments, private sector actors, and international financial institutions.
Focus on digitalization:
Digitalization and improved coordination are crucial for enhancing the corridor’s attractiveness and efficiency.