BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. Japan considers
the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle
Corridor), strategically important for diversifying its
international transport and logistics routes, Japanese State
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kei Takagi said.


According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Takagi
made the remarks at a conference in Tokyo dedicated to
strengthening Japan’s transport connectivity with Central Asia and
the Caucasus through the development of the TITR and the launch of
direct air services between Tokyo and Almaty.


Takagi noted that the development of the Middle Corridor would
create additional opportunities to expand Japan’s trade and
economic cooperation with countries in Central Asia and the
Caucasus.


Around 100 people attended the conference, which focused on
attracting Japanese investment in TITR infrastructure. Participants
included representatives of relevant ministries, the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Association for
Trade with Russia and Central-Eastern Europe (ROTOBO), and Japanese
logistics companies.


Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Japan Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev and
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Japan Farid Talibov presented their
countries’ transport development strategies aimed at improving
logistics chains and expanding international transport
cooperation.







In his remarks, Baudarbek-Kozhatayev also highlighted the
commissioning of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line, which
took place in Baku on October 15. The line is designed to expand
international data exchange and improve the resilience of digital
communications.


Air Astana’s Regional Manager for South Korea and Japan, Adel
Dauletbek, outlined prospects for expanding air connectivity
between Kazakhstan and Japan. He spoke about plans to launch direct
regular flights between Almaty and Tokyo’s Narita Airport in
December 2026.


Mieko Koyanagi, Director of the International Logistics Office
at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,
presented the results of trial shipments conducted by Japanese
companies along the Middle Corridor. The trials made it possible to
assess key route parameters, including delivery times and costs,
customs clearance procedures, and the quality of transport and
logistics services.


Particular attention was also paid to Japan’s assistance in
improving customs administration at the port of Aktau. The project,
worth up to 719 million yen (about $4.5 million), provides for
equipping the port with a stationary large-scale X-ray scanning
system, which is expected to reduce inspection times threefold.