State Railway Company: Ukraine moves to resume key cargo transit with Azerbaijan and beyond

Chairman of the Board of Ukraine’s State Railway Company Oleksandr Pertsovsky has said that Ukraine is taking significant steps to resume cargo transit through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). 

He made these remarks at a roundtable discussion titled "Middle Corridor: Connectivity through the Caspian Sea", adding that TITR includes such key partners like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, Caliber.Az reports.

Pertsovsky noted that the move is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to re-establish vital trade links and boost economic cooperation with countries across the Caspian region and emphasised the importance of revitalising these trade routes.

“In 2021, we had a steady flow of cargo with Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, and our primary goal is to restore those shipments,” Pertsovsky said. “Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian Railways [Ukrzaliznytsia] continues to view the TITR corridor as a key link among the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the European Union.”

Pertsovsky also assured that despite the war’s challenges, Ukraine is effectively rebuilding its railway infrastructure. The country remains capable of handling both export-import and transit freight, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining logistical connections with international partners. 

"Ukraine is prepared to represent the interests of TITR participants in EU member states, and we have the necessary resources to support this effort," he added.

Additionally, Pertsovsky announced the establishment of a subsidiary in Poland, Ukrainian Railways Cargo Poland, which has formally applied to join the TITR network. The application was recently accepted, marking a significant step forward for Ukraine’s participation in this vital transport corridor. 

The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is a key trade route that connects Europe to Central Asia, the Caucasus, and China. The corridor passes through countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Türkiye, offering a vital link for goods moving between East and West.

This route helps bypass more congested and politically sensitive areas, providing an alternative to traditional routes such as the Russian or the Northern corridors. The Middle Corridor's significance has grown in recent years due to its strategic position and potential for fostering regional economic cooperation. It connects key ports along the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, and with ongoing infrastructure investments, it is becoming an increasingly important route for transit and trade, especially as countries in the region look to diversify their logistics networks. As a result, the Middle Corridor is seen as a crucial factor in improving trade flow, increasing connectivity, and enhancing economic collaboration between Europe, Central Asia, and the broader Eurasian region.

By Naila Huseynova