WNAM REPORT: The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is emerging as a critical link in global trade. Stretching through Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea, and into Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, it provides a vital connection between Eurasia and Europe.
At the webinar “The Middle Corridor: UK’s Strategic Trade Opportunities in Eurasia,” Dr. Stepan Stepanenko, Director of Research and Strategy at the Forum on International Relations, presented an in-depth study on the significance of this route, highlighting its potential for the United Kingdom in the evolving landscape of global logistics.
“For decades, the lifeblood of commerce between China and Europe has been carried overwhelmingly by sea. Vast ships traversing the Suez Canal have defined the contours of global trade, ensuring that most goods—up to 90% by volume—flow effortlessly across oceans. Yet, the assumptions that have underpinned this maritime dependence have been challenged by recent events,” said Dr. Stepanenko. “COVID-19, for instance, introduced profound shocks to the shipping system: lockdowns, container shortages, and spiraling freight costs. These disruptions have demonstrated that alternative pathways are not simply luxuries but necessities for mitigating risk.”
The Middle Corridor, previously overshadowed by traditional maritime lanes and the Northern Corridor through Russia, has gained prominence due to geopolitical shifts, logistical disruptions, and a growing emphasis on stability and sustainability in trade.
“Central to this research is the recognition that the Middle Corridor is not a single-track idea or a minor footnote in Eurasian logistics. Rather, it represents a critical link poised to handle growing volumes of freight by rail, road, and sea,” Stepanenko explained.
In his opinion, Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role in this route.
“As a country straddling East and West with abundant natural resources and a forward-leaning development agenda, Kazakhstan has invested substantially in infrastructure—from the Khorgos Gateway dry port at the Chinese border to the modernization of its rail networks and port facilities along the Caspian coastline,” he noted.
These investments align with the UK interests in engineering, technology, and financial services. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s adoption of English common law at the Astana International Financial Centre provides a transparent and predictable legal framework for British investors.
The UK’s engagement with the Middle Corridor, Stepanenko emphasized, aligns with the post-Brexit vision of “Global Britain.”
He remarked, “The Middle Corridor links Europe to Central Asia and beyond to East Asia, effectively placing British businesses along a revived Silk Road where they can diversify their supply chains.” This diversification, he added, is not merely a hedge against geopolitical risks but a means to unlock growth in emerging markets.
Environmental considerations further strengthen the case for the Middle Corridor. “Rail transport boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to maritime shipping over extended distances,” Stepanenko pointed out. As the UK pursues ambitious climate goals, the corridor’s reliance on rail and its potential for electrification offer a practical path to greener supply chains.
Stepping beyond economics, the Middle Corridor also aligns with the UK foreign policy objectives of fostering democracy, sovereignty, and regional stability.
“By making these strategic contributions, Britain would not only facilitate increased trade volumes but also deepen its ties and credibility throughout the region,” Stepanenko explained.
Challenges remain, including infrastructure gaps and administrative hurdles, but progress is evident.
Stepanenko concluded, “The Middle Corridor is far more than just a trade route. It represents an opportunity for the UK to advance several objectives simultaneously: reinforcing its economic resilience and reach, supporting its environmental commitments, strengthening the sovereignty and bargaining positions of Eurasian partners, and demonstrating that commerce can be both profitable and principled.” For the UK, involvement in this project represents “as a proving ground for the UK’s stated ambition to be a global player post-Brexit, not just in traditional markets but in emerging ones crucial to the future of global supply chains.”
