BAKU, Azerbaijan, September
25. The Trans-Caspian International Transport
Route (Middle Corridor) has gradually become an important route for
regular direct international transport, Trade Counsellor at the
Embassy of China in Azerbaijan Yu Hongchi said during the 2nd
Azerbaijan International Investment Forum held in Baku today,
Trend's
correspondent reports from the event.
According to him, the southern route for China-Europe express
rail services—which runs along the Trans-Caspian International
Transport Route—is developing dynamically, with daily train
operations now established.
Hongchi noted that 436 trains were dispatched in 2021, a
twentyfold increase compared to the previous year.
"As of June 15 of this year, over 740 trains had been
dispatched—an increase of 78% compared to the same period last
year. This averages out to more than two trains per day," the
diplomat explained.
According to him, shipments across the Caspian Sea can currently
be handled via the Kazakh ports of Aktau and Kuryk, as well as
through the active use of Turkmenbashi port.
"At the same time, new transport arteries are being developed,
including international road and multimodal transport links along
the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan route," Hongchi
said.
He pointed out that the Trans-Caspian International Transport
Route has gradually evolved into a key corridor for regular, direct
international freight services.
"This growth is the result of steadily expanding cooperation
between China and the countries along this route," the counselor
said.
According to him, China has already signed relevant agreements
with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia—specifically regarding
cooperation on the development of the Trans-Caspian International
Transport Route within the framework of China–Europe express rail
services.
"The parties are consistently strengthening collaboration in
areas such as organizing rail transport, coordinating tariffs,
integrating port infrastructure, and managing rolling stock,"
Hongchi added.
