Caucasus

China Railways has officially joined Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., an international company that manages the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The accession agreement was signed at the Second China-Europe Railway Corridor International Cooperation Forum, held in China. The accession was accomplished through China Railway Container Transport Company (CRCT).

JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy signed a number of strategic documents at the Second China–Europe Forum for International Cooperation in Xi’an. The agreements are aimed at developing the China–Europe route, promoting the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor (TITR), and expanding partnerships with major Chinese logistics operators.

The total cargo transshipment volume at Batumi Seaport from January to November 1, 2025, exceeded 6 million tons. This growth was primarily driven by stable supplies of Kazakhstani petroleum products, as well as increased transshipment of light petroleum products.

ASCO, a subsidiary of AZCON Holding, reported significant growth in cargo transportation for the period January–October 2025. The company’s fleet transported 4,838,499 tons of cargo via tankers and general-purpose dry cargo vessels, significantly exceeding the previous year’s figures.

Uzbekistan has approved a large-scale plan for the development of its railway infrastructure through 2030, including the construction of over 150 km of new lines and the electrification of 182 km of existing lines. Following an industry meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, additional measures to strengthen the railway network were also outlined.

Waberer’s International has signed a cooperation agreement with Kazakhstan’s KTZ Express to establish a joint venture for the development and operation of an intermodal terminal near Budapest.

The global ground and cargo handling market is undergoing a wave of major transformation: two leading players have announced major international projects.

The leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan were briefed on the joint work of experts from the two countries aimed at accelerating the development of the Middle Corridor—a key transport route connecting China and Central Asian countries with Europe. Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, Asel Zhanasova, presented a detailed plan for modernizing and expanding infrastructure to support increased freight traffic.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a joint media briefing to summarize the results of their talks on infrastructure development and transport connectivity between the two countries. The parties paid particular attention to the implementation of the strategically important Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbayev, spoke at the session “The Middle Corridor: From Reliability to Influence” at the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, which brought together approximately 2,000 representatives of governments, businesses, and international organizations. Discussions focused on the development of transport and trade links, digital transformation, and investment opportunities in the region.