Astana International University Explores the Role of Kazakhstan and China in the Development of the Middle Corridor

Astana International University has completed a study on the role of Kazakhstan and China in the development of the Middle Corridor—a key route connecting East Asia to Europe through Central Asia and the Caspian Sea. The project was led by Dr. Meyram Zekeshuly Kazhiken, a Doctor of Economics and Professor at the Higher School of Economics of Astana International University.

The Middle Corridor has become a strategically important alternative to traditional routes, demonstrating record growth in cargo transportation amid geopolitical changes. In 2022, the cargo flow through the corridor increased by 2.5 times, confirming its significance for international trade and regional stability.

Kazakhstan is actively investing in modernizing the corridor's infrastructure, including the construction of ports, railways, and the digitalization of logistics processes. In the coming years, it is planned to increase the route's capacity to 10 million tons per year and reduce delivery times to 14–18 days. China, by integrating the Middle Corridor into its global initiative "Belt and Road," is providing substantial funding and technological support, making the route not only efficient but also competitive.

The study also highlights challenges that need to be addressed: increasing the capacity of Caspian ports, aligning tariff policies, and eliminating logistical barriers. At the same time, international support, including the involvement of the European Union and financial organizations, strengthens the prospects of the corridor as a global logistics hub. The full version of the study is available for download in PDF format, allowing everyone to learn more about how the Middle Corridor is transforming international trade.