Middle Corridor

Cargo reportedly originating in Kyrgyzstan was found to be concealing nearly 1,000 pounds of heroin when examined in a Bulgarian port. 

Intense competition, epitomized by competing “corridors,” is emerging in Asia and beyond between the U.S., China, and Russia. 

Expanding membership risks a loss of focus for the organization, but Kazakhstan has pursued a vision that could be more enduring.

For more commodities to move west from Central Asia, better infrastructure, more inter-agency cooperation, and modern customs systems are necessary. 

The shift from a security-focused engagement to broader cooperation with the Caucasus and Central Asian states underscores India’s pursuit of strategic depth.

Although the Middle Corridor offers promise, its journey toward becoming a viable strategic alternative to existing trade routes will be met with tough challenges.

The EU and Central Asia have a critical opportunity to strengthen their collaboration in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges affecting global trade routes.

Europe is pushing hard to advance the Middle Corridor, but other countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan will almost certainly benefit from the infrastructure being built.

The bulk of railway freight between Asia and Europe crosses Russian territory. Yet the route has not been the focus of Western sanctions – so far.

For Kazakhstan, in particular, the development of the Middle Corridor offers broader access to global markets.

Despite longstanding diplomatic flirtation, the announcement of a strategic partnership between the two countries still came as a significant surprise.