Trade along the Middle Corridor is accelerating, opening new opportunities for Central Asia and the South Caucasus as countries strengthen transport links between China and Europe. Cargo volumes reached around 4.7 million tonnes in 2025, up from less than one million tonnes in 2021.
The Middle Corridor, formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, connects China with European markets via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye. The route is gaining strategic importance as shifting geopolitical conditions drive demand for alternative trade links.
Uzbekistan is also increasing its use of the corridor, with cargo volumes doubling to 1.2 million tonnes. The route now accounts for 28 per cent of the country's freight trade with the European Union.
Speaking to AnewZ, Levan Berdzenishvili, commercial manager at Tbilisi Dry Port, said demand for freight transport through Georgia was growing as the Middle Corridor gained importance.
He highlighted infrastructure upgrades across the region, including expanded port facilities and increased railway capacity, but warned that adverse weather conditions on the Caspian Sea and port congestion continue to disrupt freight movements.
According to Berdzenishvili, cargo can reach Georgia within 20 days under normal conditions. He stressed the country's importance as a gateway for Uzbek goods to global markets and called for closer cooperation among countries along the corridor.
The corridor's growing significance is attracting major investment commitments. China has committed roughly $23 billion to Kazakhstan's section of the route, while the European Union has pledged $13.5 billion for infrastructure, logistics and digital integration across the wider network.
The funding is expected to ease capacity constraints, modernise ports and railways, and improve logistics operations, helping goods move more efficiently between Asia and Europe.
Uzbekistan is also investing in its domestic logistics network to strengthen its position along international trade routes.
Lobar Mirsagatova, chief sales officer at Silkway CA, told AnewZ that the company plans to build a major logistics centre in Tashkent's Yangiyul district alongside strategic partners, including Uzbekistan Railways.
The first phase is due to be completed by March 2027, with warehouse facilities scheduled for development in the second half of the year.
The centre will combine cargo handling, inspections, warehousing and terminal services at a single site, providing an integrated logistics hub for producers and distributors.
Despite rising freight volumes and investment, the Middle Corridor still faces challenges that could limit its long-term competitiveness.
Unpredictable weather on the Caspian Sea, congested ports and differing cross-border procedures can delay shipments and drive up costs.
Closer coordination between governments, port authorities, railway operators and logistics companies will be essential to improving reliability and ensuring the corridor can meet growing demand.
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