Middle Corridor
What is the Middle Corridor?
The Middle Corridor is an international trade route that extends from China to Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. This route is one of the most important alternative routes of the Modern Silk Road.
Especially after the Russia-Ukraine war and the inability to use the northern corridor, the importance of the Middle Corridor has increased and paved the way for new investments.
Strategic Importance
Geopolitical Importance
After the Russia-Ukraine war and the inability to use the northern corridor, the Middle Corridor has become the main trade route.
Economic Contribution
It contributes to the increase in trade volume between Asia and Europe and the economic development of the countries in the region.
Regional Cooperation
It strengthens economic and political cooperation between countries along the route.
Environmental Benefits
Carbon Emissions
Lower carbon emissions compared to sea transport
Fuel Savings
Less fuel consumption compared to northern corridor
Sustainability
Environmentally friendly transportation solutions
Time and Cost Comparison
| Route | Duration | Distance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Corridor | 45-50 days | 13,000 km | Base value |
| Middle Corridor | 20-25 days | 7,000 km | -25% |
Route Countries
East
Georgia
Infrastructure
- Port of Poti - 50 million tons/year capacity
- Port of Batumi - Ro-Ro terminal
- Modernized railway network
Investments
$1.5 billion infrastructure modernization
Azerbaijan
Infrastructure
- Baku Limanı - 25 million tons/year capacity
- Baku-Tbilisi-Kars demiryolu
- Modern logistics centers
Investments
$2 billion port and railway investment
Kazakhstan
Infrastructure
- Port of Aktau - 15 million tons/year capacity
- Port of Kuryk - Ro-Ro terminal
- 16,000+ km railway network
Investments
$5 billion infrastructure investment
Uzbekistan
Infrastructure
- Navoi Logistics Center - Multimodal hub
- Tashkent-Andijan railway corridor
- 4,300+ km railway network
Investments
$2.5 billion infrastructure and modernization investment
China
Infrastructure
- Port of Lianyungang - 200 million tons/year capacity
- Xi'an Dry Port - Intermodal hub
- 150,000+ km railway network
Investments
$40 billion Belt and Road Initiative investment
West
Bulgaria
Infrastructure
- Port of Varna - 15 million tons/year capacity
- Port of Burgas - Container terminal
- 4,000+ km railway network
Investments
€2 billion infrastructure investment
Romania
Infrastructure
- Port of Constanta - 100 million tons/year capacity
- Pan-European corridors connection
- 10,000+ km railway network
Investments
€4 billion infrastructure modernization
Macedonia
Infrastructure
- Skopje Intermodal Terminal
- Pan-European Corridor X connection
- 900+ km railway network
Investments
€800 million infrastructure investment
Slovenia
Infrastructure
- Port of Koper - 24 million tons/year capacity
- Mediterranean corridor connection
- 1,200+ km railway network
Investments
€1 billion infrastructure modernization
Germany
Infrastructure
- Port of Hamburg - 130 million tons/year capacity
- Port of Bremen - Multimodal terminal
- 33,000+ km railway network
Investments
€30 billion transport infrastructure modernization
Serbia
Infrastructure
- Belgrade Intermodal Terminal
- Pan-European Corridor X connection
- 3,800+ km railway network
Investments
€1.5 billion transport infrastructure investment
Croatia
Infrastructure
- Port of Rijeka - 30 million tons/year capacity
- Adriatic-Baltic corridor connection
- 2,600+ km railway network
Investments
€2 billion infrastructure modernization
Modern Silk Road Connection
The Middle Corridor is one of the most important components of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This corridor, as a modern version of the historical Silk Road, revitalizes the trade bridge between Asia and Europe.
Infrastructure Investments
Port, railway, and logistics center investments
Digital Integration
Modern tracking systems and digital customs solutions
Economic Corridor
Development of trade and investment opportunities