It’s important to think about transcontinental logistics corridors.
This view was shared with AZERTAC by Miras Zhienbayev, head of the foreign policy and international studies program at the MIND analytical center at Maqsut Narikbayev University. He commented on the economic aid package for Central Asian countries announced by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The program includes the creation of a trade route through the Caspian Sea, which will connect the region with Europe.
As reported earlier by The Japan Times, the plan will be presented at a meeting with leaders of five Central Asian countries during Kishida’s visit to the region from August 9-12. The initiative aims to strengthen Japan’s ties in the region and increase the economic independence of Central Asian countries.
According to Zhienbayev, Japanese media are discussing the creation of a trade route through the Caspian, which essentially refers to the Trans-Caspian (Middle) Corridor. It is expected that the Japanese Prime Minister will announce the participation of Japanese companies and investors in the development of the Caspian region’s transport and logistics potential.
“Japan seeks to strengthen its position in the region and recognizes the crucial importance of developing the Middle Corridor for Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and the entire region of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. This transport route is seen as a necessary and unparalleled direction for economic growth and international cooperation in this space. This implies systematic work with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, which are currently experiencing a period of active development of political and economic relations. An axis is being created that is attractive to international investors, including Japan, Korea, the EU, and China,” Zhienbayev noted.
The expert believes that the new logistics corridor is important in the context of the decline of traditional routes through Russia and Belarus due to sanctions.
“Azerbaijan is becoming an important transport hub, connecting Asian countries with the western part of the continent, and also opening a path to eastern Eurasia for Western countries. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan play a key role in developing land transport routes between the two parts of the continent. The Caspian region is becoming increasingly significant for transport and trade. The volume of cargo passing through the Caspian Sea is growing. This creates some difficulties that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are solving jointly,” Zhienbayev added.
In conclusion, he emphasized that the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan inspires optimism in other Eurasian countries and opens up prospects for investment in the Middle Corridor.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, connects China and European countries through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
