U.S. Department of State: The Trans-Caspian Corridor Could Transform Eurasian Trade Flows

The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian Trade Corridor, has the potential to fundamentally transform trade within Eurasia and between its regions, provided there are investments in infrastructure and simplification of customs procedures. This was stated by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr in an interview with Trend news agency.

According to Caleb Orr, this route — passing through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus — directly connects the region to the markets of the United States and Europe. The American official emphasized that the full operation of the Trans-Caspian Trade Corridor would enhance the resilience of supply chains and ensure the secure transportation of goods, data, and energy resources.

The issue of developing the potential of this corridor was identified as a priority at the summit dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format, held in November 2025. At that time, the five Central Asian states and the United States agreed to strengthen measures aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and logistical resilience.

Caleb Orr noted that American business investments in the transport and logistics system, strategically important mineral resources, the agro-industrial complex, and digital infrastructure would create additional opportunities while simultaneously increasing the volume of goods and strategic resources transported along the corridor.

The Middle Corridor serves as an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern routes. The route starts in China, passes through the territories of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, then crosses the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, providing access to European markets. Its main advantage lies in the shortening of the route compared to sea routes and in the diversification of international transport chains.