Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia are developing a unified long-term tariff model for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), better known as the Middle Corridor, in a move aimed at making the route more competitive and attractive for global trade.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the initiative during a meeting with Eduard Sigrist, Vice President of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world's largest container shipping operators, The Caspian Post reports via Akorda.

Tokayev said that the three countries are not only working on a common tariff framework but are also implementing major infrastructure projects to boost the corridor's capacity and efficiency. These include expanding the Caspian cargo fleet, carrying out dredging operations in cooperation with Azerbaijan, and modernizing Kazakhstan’s Kuryk Port.

The talks also focused on transport and logistics cooperation, with particular attention given to increasing containerization rates across the route. Officials believe greater container traffic will significantly increase cargo volumes moving between Asia and Europe.

Tokayev emphasized that the development of the Middle Corridor remains a strategic priority for Kazakhstan and welcomed MSC’s growing presence in the country.

The president also praised the company’s interest in investing in Caspian port infrastructure, noting that such projects could substantially enhance the corridor’s competitiveness and strengthen trade flows between Europe and Asia.

For its part, MSC unveiled long-term investment plans in Kazakhstan, including potential investments in logistics terminals, railway assets, port facilities, maritime services and cargo aviation.

As global supply chains continue to diversify, the Middle Corridor is increasingly emerging as a key alternative trade route linking China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Europe. A unified tariff model could become a major step toward streamlining transit operations and accelerating cargo movement across the region.