The Middle Corridor will maintain its strategic importance as a diversified route between Asia and Europe.
According to sea-news.az that a representative of the International Transport Forum (ITF) stated this in an exclusive comment to Trend.
According to the ITF representative, in the event of long-term peace being established between the U.S. and Iran, routes passing through Turkmenistan and Iran could become more attractive for cargo transportation between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf countries, Turkey, and Middle Eastern markets.
“Improved relations between the parties could make routes through Turkmenistan and Iran more attractive, especially for cargo transported between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, Turkey, and Middle Eastern markets,” the organization stated.
The ITF emphasized that, for certain directions, land transit through Iranian territory could offer operational advantages.
“For some cargo shipments, a land route via Iran allows for avoiding the additional loading/unloading, port processing, and ferry transport required when crossing the Caspian Sea. This could increase competitive pressure on the Trans-Caspian route,” the organization noted.
At the same time, the ITF believes that the Middle Corridor will retain its key role in ensuring Eurasian transport connectivity.
“Nevertheless, the Middle Corridor will maintain its strategic value as a diversified route between Asia and Europe that bypasses both Russia and Iran. It will continue to benefit from significant political and investment support within the framework of developing Eurasian transport connectivity,” the organization noted.
According to the ITF, analysis has shown that following the disruptions in logistics chains caused by the war in Ukraine, the Middle Corridor has become the most realistic alternative to the Northern Corridor.
“However, its long-term competitiveness depends on the removal of existing operational bottlenecks,” the organization added.
The ITF also believes that, under various configurations of transport routes, Turkmenistan could benefit from both scenarios.
“Turkmenistan could potentially benefit from both options. The country can act as a transit state for routes extending toward Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea, as well as for routes passing south through Iran,” the organization stated.
It should be noted that the Middle Corridor is a transport and trade route connecting Asia and Europe that passes through several countries in the region. It is an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors.
The route begins in China and passes through Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, reaching Europe via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. The Middle Corridor offers a land route connecting the eastern regions of Asia, including China, with Europe, while bypassing longer maritime routes.
