Trans-Caspian Corridor Becomes Key Opportunity for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent has become a key platform for regional connectivity as it hosted the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum.

The event brought together high-level officials and experts from the European Union, the Black Sea region, and Central Asia, The Caspian Post informs via Uzbek media.

Speaking at the forum, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for Neighbourhood Marta Kos, and others highlighted the strategic role of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. They noted that the initiative is essential for boosting Uzbekistan’s transit and logistics potential and transforming the country into a major transport hub linking East and West.

Experts underscored that the corridor is a flagship project of the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy in Central Asia. The Middle Corridor is rapidly evolving into a vital route connecting China, the Middle East, and Central Asia with Europe. By 2030, annual cargo volume through the corridor is expected to reach 10-11 million tons.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport Ilkhom Mahkamov noted that expanding transit and logistics capabilities is a key objective of the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy. Cargo flows along the Trans-Caspian route continue to rise: in 2024, transport volumes surpassed 1 million tons - five times higher than in 2019.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot stressed that close cooperation among all participating countries remains crucial for further development.

The forum also featured thematic sessions on regulatory harmonization, infrastructure investment, and digitalization of trade routes.

Meanwhile, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Romania are preparing to sign a Caspian-Black Sea corridor agreement, further strengthening regional connectivity.