BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 28. The Middle
Corridor has the potential to become a driver of economic growth,
boosting gross domestic product (GDP) by approximately 3.3% and
employment by 2.9% in the countries it passes through.


This was stated in the World Bank report “Integration:
World-Class Trade Logistics along the Trans-Caspian Transport
Corridor.”


As noted in the report, achieving these targets is possible
provided that appropriate investments are made, along with
additional reforms in policy, institutions, and operations.


According to the report, investments in the Trans-Caspian
Transport Corridor can deliver economic benefits to the countries
of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Türkiye, primarily by
improving transport connectivity and reducing trade and transport
costs.


"The World Bank’s macroeconomic modeling shows a positive,
albeit varying in magnitude, impact on GDP and employment in all
countries participating in the corridor’s development.


In the long term, the average GDP growth of the corridor’s
member economies is estimated at approximately 3.3%.







Larger economies, such as Kazakhstan and Türkiye, may see the
greatest absolute growth, reflecting the size of their economies
and their central position within the corridor network. At the same
time, small landlocked countries, including Armenia and Kyrgyzstan,
are expected to experience higher growth in relative terms as a
result of improved transport connectivity.


The impact on employment is also estimated to be positive in all
countries through which the corridor passes. Overall employment
growth could reach 2.9%.


The most significant employment growth is expected in
construction, trade, and business services, as well as in related
manufacturing, transportation, and the agri-food sector," the
report states.


The World Bank also notes that countries located at a relatively
greater distance from the main sections of the corridor, including
Tajikistan, could benefit from lower transportation costs and
improved access to regional markets.


In addition, it is noted that the development of the
Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor could also help reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and increase resilience to climate and natural risks.
According to a World Bank assessment, provided that sustainability
requirements are taken into account when implementing investments
and that efficiency and coordination are improved, the development
of the corridor could reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas
emissions by approximately 3.2%.