First freight train departs from China to Azerbaijan via Trans-Caspian Corridor

The first freight train from China to Azerbaijan departed from Jinhua, an industrial city in east China’s Zhejiang Province, on June 18, officially launching the new Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor.

Loaded with 100 standard containers of clothing, accessories, metal parts, and other goods, the train will travel through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, before reaching the port of Turkmenbashi. From there, the cargo will be transported by sea across the Caspian Sea to the port of Baku in Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports via Turkmen Transport and Communications Agency. 

The route provides a new logistics option for delivering Chinese goods to the South Caucasus and Europe, easing congestion on the existing Aktau–Baku line and reducing transit times, according to the operator.

The train crosses the China-Kazakhstan border at Khorgos and passes through key cities including Almaty, Tashkent, and Ashgabat.

This is the 26th international logistics route launched from Zhejiang Province under China’s expanding China-Europe rail freight network, further strengthening trade links with Azerbaijan and the wider region.

The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is a major trade and transportation route that connects China to Europe through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus. This route aims to provide an alternative to the traditional routes that pass through Russia, facilitating the movement of goods between Asia and Europe. It is designed to enhance regional connectivity and reduce transportation time, offering a more efficient and secure pathway for international trade.

The Middle Corridor plays a significant role in promoting economic cooperation among the countries along the route, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye, and is seen as a key element in the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by China. The development of this corridor aims to boost trade, investment, and integration across Eurasia, contributing to the economic growth of the countries involved.

By Sabina Mammadli