The association aims to enhance the coordination of international transportation across the Central Asian region. Additionally, it aligns with the development strategy of the “Belt and Road” initiative, which is a key interest for China.
During a consultative meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, the heads of the railway administrations from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, China, and Austria signed a protocol officially creating the International Association “Eurasian Transport Route.”
At the meeting, held last Friday, participants discussed various aspects of the association, including its structure, the organisation of working groups, challenges surrounding digitalisation, and commercial issues. The discussions also focused on marketing, communications, legal frameworks, infrastructure, and logistics services.
Rovshan Rustamov, chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, said at a press briefing, “In the near future, all official procedures will be completed, and the Eurasian Transport Road International Association will be formally established.”
Enhancing the Middle Corridor
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), commonly referred to as the Middle Corridor, stretches from China through Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea, to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and eventually into Europe. To boost the competitiveness of this vital route, it was necessary to establish a central coordinating body.
“The association needs to undertake structured work, develop a comprehensive concept for the route, establish a coherent tariff policy, and explore the implementation of digital solutions to ensure faster and safer transportation,” Rovshan Rustamov emphasised.
By joining forces, the seven participating countries aim to make the Middle Corridor more efficient and attractive for international trade. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance the overall functioning of the route.
The Significance of the Middle Corridor
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is a critical link between Asia and Europe. A key part of this corridor is the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which connects Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
With the formation of the International Association “Eurasian Transport Route,” the coordination and development of the corridor will be overseen by a dedicated coalition. This initiative is designed to ensure the route’s stability and competitiveness in the global market.
China’s Role and Interest
China has a vested interest in increasing cargo traffic through the Eurasian region, which is why it became a member of the Eurasian Transport Route Association.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have transported 200 container block trains through Eurasia to Europe, and this number will continue to grow,” said Yan Bin, head of China Railway Container Transportation Corporation.
Yan Bin further emphasised that both the number of trains using this route and the volume of transported goods are expected to increase. The association’s formation dovetails with China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, highlighting its strategic importance to the country’s global trade ambitions.
Photo: Semen1966, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons