Turkish official hails Middle Corridor as future backbone of Eurasian trade

The Middle Corridor is increasingly being recognized as a vital and dependable transit route connecting Europe and Asia, said Osman Boyraz, Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.

Speaking at the Silk Road Forum in Tbilisi during the panel “Middle Corridor: From Reliability to Efficiency,” Boyraz underscored the corridor’s growing strategic significance, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Boyraz emphasized that the route’s security is underpinned by several key factors. “This is a transit route through the Caspian Sea, and it is three thousand kilometres shorter than the northern route. It also benefits from favorable climatic conditions and offers a combination of alternative modes of transportation. Therefore, if any restrictions arise in one part of the corridor, the entire route will not be paralyzed,” he explained.

Highlighting recent developments in Eurasian trade, the deputy minister noted that increasing trade volumes between Europe and China have elevated the importance of freight transport along this corridor. “With consistent policy and investments, it is indeed possible to triple the volume and quantity of goods transported. Moreover, forecasts show that this corridor will bring significant benefits in the future,” Boyraz added.

However, he acknowledged challenges, particularly certain conditions on the Caspian Sea that may cause delays. “It is essential to continue strengthening infrastructure and simplifying the management model to mitigate these risks,” he said.

Boyraz further highlighted the corridor’s geopolitical advantages, describing it as “a reliable route because it passes through a region with minimal geopolitical risks.” He stressed that this factor positions the Middle Corridor to become “the most secure and favorable corridor.”

Looking ahead, the deputy minister emphasized the importance of attracting investment and fostering multilateral cooperation. “We want the Middle Corridor to be not only reliable and efficient, but also a platform for greater opportunities,” he concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva