Uzbekistan Expands Its Role in International Transport Corridors

Strategically located at the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan shares borders with all countries in the region—placing it in a unique position to connect not only its immediate neighbors but also East Asia with South Asia, and the Middle East with the Caucasus and Europe. This geographical advantage supports Uzbekistan’s growing ambitions to become a vital hub within a sustainable and resilient global transport network.

With Central Asia and the Caucasus undergoing rapid development and economic growth, the demand for modernized and diversified transport infrastructure has surged. The changing global geopolitical landscape—particularly rising tensions in the Red Sea and Eastern Europe—further underscores the need for secure, stable, and mutually beneficial transport corridors connecting Europe, China, and Central Asia.

In this context, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor—also known as the Middle Corridor—has garnered global attention as an alternative route linking China, the Middle East, and Central Asia with Europe. Uzbekistan is playing an active role in this corridor’s development and works closely with the European Union to both expand and modernize existing routes.

Uzbekistan is a participant in the CASCA+ multimodal corridor, which connects the Asia-Pacific region, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Europe. A significant milestone in this effort was the signing of a multilateral protocol in Tashkent in December 2019 involving railway administrations from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In December 2021, Turkey joined the agreement, making it a six-party initiative focused on harmonizing tariff rates, establishing unified cargo transportation conditions, coordinating logistics companies for container trains, and improving efficiency at border crossing points through early notification systems.

Among several route options, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey–Europe line is geographically the shortest land corridor between China and Europe, spanning just 4,917 km.

Speaking at the June 2023 Central Asia–EU Leaders’ Meeting in Kyrgyzstan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the critical role of enhancing transport connectivity between Central Asia and Europe, particularly through the development of the Middle Corridor. As a result of ongoing reforms, cargo volume across the Caspian Sea between Uzbekistan and Europe reached 1.1 million tonnes in 2024—a 55% increase from 492,000 tonnes in 2020.

In 2024 alone, Uzbekistan’s total cargo trade with the EU, Turkey, the Caucasus, the United States, and Brazil reached 2.8 million tonnes, indicating robust potential for future growth along this route. To support further development, Uzbekistan is exploring the acquisition of two cargo ships for Caspian Sea operations in 2025. The country is also actively participating in the EU’s "Global Gateway" initiative in cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and South Caucasus nations.

Despite these efforts, the Middle Corridor still faces operational challenges, including long delivery times, high transportation costs, limited port efficiency on the Caspian and Black Seas, and declining water levels in the Caspian Sea. For instance, vehicles often face delays of up to 25–30 days at Azerbaijan’s Alat Port due to adverse weather conditions.

According to data from the Eurasian Rail Alliance Index (ERAI), shipping containers via the Northern Corridor from China to Europe currently takes seven days and costs approximately $3,289. By comparison, delivery via the Middle Corridor from Tashkent takes 35–40 days and costs around $5,500 (Transgroup Systems LP), making it less competitive at present.

Nonetheless, the Middle Corridor remains a promising long-term investment. It has the potential to transform trade between Asia and Europe—provided key inefficiencies are addressed and infrastructure investments are made. Enhancing cooperation with the EU and international financial institutions to upgrade port facilities (such as in Turkmenbashi, Kuryk, Aktau, Alat, Poti, and Batumi) and regional transport networks (including in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) will be essential.

Recognizing the need for diversified logistics, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport is also developing a new corridor: China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey (5,430 km). This route offers a direct railway connection from China (Kashgar) to Turkey (Istanbul Port), with further access to Europe via road, rail, and sea.

To advance this corridor, the transport ministers of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey signed a protocol on November 1, 2023, under the Economic Cooperation Organization. The agreement includes plans to designate national railway operators, conduct trial shipments, and introduce discounted tariffs. Efforts are also underway to engage China, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan in the agreement.

A key enabler for these developments is the planned China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, a project hailed as the “New Silk Road of the 21st Century.” Once completed, it will shorten the China–Europe route by 900 kilometers and reduce delivery times by 7–8 days.

Uzbekistan’s pursuit of multiple transport corridors to Europe is not just about logistics—it is a strategic move to boost trade, improve economic performance, and enhance the quality of life across the region.

—Saidkamol Sultonbekov,
Senior Specialist, Center for Transport and Logistics Development
Ministry of Transport, Republic of Uzbekistan