The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is a strategic multimodal trade route designed to revive the Silk Road by enhancing connectivity between Asia and Europe. As one of the major trade and transportation channels in Eurasia, it complements several Europe-Asia transport projects such as TRACECA, China’s Belt and Road Initiative and serves as a key alternative to traditional trade routes. Stretching from the Chinese-Kazakh border to Europe, the corridor traverses Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, integrating rail, road, and maritime transport across the Caspian and Black Sea basins. Currently, there are some other projects in Eurasia that can enhance the Middle Corridor.

Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in the development of the Middle Corridor due to its strategic location, advanced transportation infrastructure, and commitment to regional connectivity. Major projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway and the Port of Baku, have strengthened Azerbaijan’s position as a crucial transit hub, reducing transportation time between China and Europe while fostering economic cooperation among Turkic-speaking states. This has been further supported through multilateral trade agreements and infrastructure investments under the Organization of Turkic States framework.

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and increasing global trade demands, the AIR Center recognizes the growing importance of Eurasian connectivity. It aims to promote multilateral cooperation through academic conferences, joint research projects, and knowledge-sharing platforms, contributing to the effective coordination and future development of the Middle Corridor.