BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. The Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the International Road
Transport Union (IRU) member Global Sustainable Transport
Innovation and Knowledge Centre (GSTIKC) discussed the development
of the Middle Corridor during a seminar on logistics connectivity
between China and Central Asia, Trend reports via IRU.


The event brought together representatives of governments,
international organizations, financial institutions, and industry
stakeholders to exchange views on transport infrastructure,
cross-border connectivity, and regional investment priorities.


Speaking at the event, IRU Chief Representative for East and
Southeast Asia, Ran Wang, outlined the latest advances in the use
of the TIR system on the China-Central Asia route. He demonstrated
how TIR helps landlocked countries become connected trade hubs,
increasing the efficiency and reliability of cross-border
transport.


"Uzbekistan, one of only two landlocked countries in the world
surrounded by similar countries, has become the largest user of the
TIR system, demonstrating its effectiveness in overcoming border
crossing challenges and strengthening the country's economy," he
said.


Wang emphasized the importance of combining investments in
physical infrastructure with proven transport facilitation tools
such as TIR.


"Thanks to digital solutions like eTIR and the development of
TIR green lanes at key border crossings, we are making transport
faster, more predictable, and more sustainable across the region,"
he said.


Wang also noted that TIR facilitates the development of new
trade routes and corridors.







"The examples include the efforts of the IRU and its partners to
facilitate transport along the Middle Corridor. Another example was
a recent milestone—the first intermodal TIR pilot project from
China to Uzbekistan. Cargo was initially transported by rail from
Xi'an, central China, to Kashgar North station in the Xinjiang
Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China, after which it
continued its journey by truck through the TIR system from the
Irkeshtam border crossing to Jizzakh in Uzbekistan," IRU said.


The seminar discussions also highlighted the importance of
closer regional cooperation and more coordinated policies in
response to the changing dynamics of global supply chains.


The Middle Corridor is a transport and trade route that passes
through a number of countries in the region and connects Asia with
Europe. It serves as an alternative to the traditional Northern and
Southern Corridors.


The route begins in China and runs through the countries of
Central Asia. It then crosses the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
and Türkiye, before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor is a land
route that bypasses longer sea routes, connecting the eastern
regions of Asia, including China, with Europe.


Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News
Agency's WhatsApp channel