Transit flows through Central Asian countries have increased by 70% between 2020 and 2024, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s Transport Projects Observatory.
This rise highlights the growing importance of the region as a key transit hub in Eurasia, despite its landlocked geography.
Central Asia’s central location on the continent, combined with major infrastructure projects, is transforming it into a critical link in international logistics chains. The growth in transit volumes is not a one-off spike but rather a stable and ongoing trend.
Currently, 80% of all transit traffic passes through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with railways carrying about 60% of the total transit cargo volume.
More than 70% of transit routes connect China on one side with Russia, Turkiye, Afghanistan, and European countries on the other.
The development of the Eurasian transport network remains the main driver behind the increase in transit shipments and the formation of a Eurasian transport crossroads. According to the Transport Projects Observatory, over $52 billion are expected to be invested in Central Asia’s transport corridors by 2035.
Deputy Chairman and Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank, Evgeny Vinokurov, emphasises the sustained growth.
“Over the past five years, we have witnessed a doubling of Central Asian countries’ foreign trade with China. At the same time, transit flows have increased by 70%.
But this is only the beginning. Central Asia, which is more remote from global markets than other landlocked regions, requires quality infrastructure. Our estimates put the necessary investment at nearly $53 billion by 2035.” he said.
Vinokurov highlights the importance of transport projects along the North-South direction, including the international North-South transport corridor and the Trans-Afghan corridor, which opens new trade opportunities with the Gulf countries and South Asia.
Beyond hard infrastructure, the growth of transit also depends on improvements in so-called “soft” infrastructure.
Simplifying border-crossing procedures across Central Asia accelerates cargo transit, while coordinated tariff policies help reduce container transport costs.
This multifaceted approach indicates that Central Asia’s rise as a Eurasian transport hub will continue, supported not only by investments in physical infrastructure but also by regional co-operation and regulatory improvements.
Bolivian President-elect Rodrigo Paz was sworn in as the country's new President on Saturday ending almost 20 years of one-party rule....
A tornado accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck the southern Brazilian state of Parana, killing six people, the state government said on S...
Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan broke down, although a ceasefire continues between the South Asian neighbours, a Taliban spokesperson sai...
UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes after a deadly crash at UPS's Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky, ...
Six people have died with one other injured, after a fire broke out in a perfume warehouse in the Dilovasi district of Türkiye on Saturday....
Bolivian President-elect Rodrigo Paz was sworn in as the country's new President on Saturday ending almost 20 years of one-party rule.
A tornado accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck the southern Brazilian state of Parana, killing six people, the state government said on Saturday.
Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan broke down, although a ceasefire continues between the South Asian neighbours, a Taliban spokesperson said on Saturday.
UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes after a deadly crash at UPS's Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky, which killed 14 people, including three pilots. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga lead the 2026 Grammy nominations, while K-Pop enters the Song of the Year category for the first time in the award’s history.
Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon after ordering evacuations, accusing Hezbollah of rebuilding its forces despite a year-old ceasefire, as Lebanon and the United Nations warned of renewed border tensions.
U.S. Senate Republicans have blocked a resolution that would have barred President Donald Trump from launching military action against Venezuela without congressional approval, despite growing concern over recent U.S. strikes in the southern Caribbean.
Despite promises of recovery from the new government, Germany’s economy continues to stagnate, with no signs of renewed momentum. According to the latest report from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the country still lacks the drive needed for a genuine economic rebound.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk won shareholder approval on Thursday for the largest corporate pay package in history as investors endorsed his vision of morphing the electric vehicle (EV) maker into an artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics juggernaut.
Azerbaijan marked the fifth anniversary of its victory in the Second Karabakh War with a grand military parade at Azadliq Square in Baku today.
Azerbaijan marks its fifth Victory Day on 8 November, celebrating the liberation of occupied territories and the restoration of sovereignty, a milestone that reshaped the South Caucasus and ushered in a new era of reconstruction and regional stability.
Uzbekistan and the United States have signed strategic agreements worth more than hundred billion dollars, with agreements including relaxed visa rules for citizens of both countries.
Some of Yemen’s most vital roads have reopened as the country’s long-stalled peace process shows renewed signs of progress, supported by a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and an overall cooling in the regional climate.
Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani Prime Minister arrived at the Heydar Aliyev international airport on Friday 7th November to a guard of honour prepared specially to recognise him.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment