The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is rapidly becoming a vital trade link between China and the West. Recently, a departure ceremony was held at Xi'an's Chanba International Port, signaling a significant step forward in China's involvement with the Middle Corridor.
Just a year or two ago, many experts were skeptical about the Middle Corridor's potential. They doubted whether the TITR, heavily promoted by Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, would gain traction in both Eastern and Western markets. There were even thoughts that China and Europe might favor the southern transit route instead.
However, the tide has turned. On June 28, the first freight train via the Middle Corridor departed from Nanjing, loaded with 110 containers of household appliances and essential goods, bound for Istanbul. This event marked a new chapter in the corridor's journey.
Following this, the China Railway Group announced the designation of 87 routes for trains traveling from China to Europe and 39 routes for trains heading to Asia via the TITR. This expansion has significantly increased the number of train movements along these routes, with China-Europe train schedules seeing a notable boost.
The momentum doesn't stop there. At the Black Sea-Caspian Logistics Forum 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, impressive statistics were unveiled. Since the beginning of the year, 212 container trains, carrying 420,000 tons of cargo, have traversed the TITR. To put that into perspective, only 11 block trains traveled this route from China in 2023. This surge clearly highlights China's growing commitment to the Middle Corridor. By the end of the year, it's expected that 300 container trains from China will have passed through the TITR.
With these developments, the Middle Corridor is not just a logistical route but a symbol of strengthened ties and expanded trade between China and the global market. 🌍🚆✨
