BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. Joint analysis by the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport and regional partners highlights Turkmenistan's growing strategic role in emerging logistics corridors connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe, Trend reports.
Turkmenistan is poised to become a key transit hub in several proposed trade routes aimed at diversifying cargo flows and expanding connectivity beyond traditional corridors. Notable corridors include the Lapis Lazuli route, linking ports in Pakistan and Afghanistan through Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, and the South Caucasus to European markets, as well as routes connecting China, Central Asia, Iran, and the Indian Ocean.
The analysis points to several promising transport chains involving Turkmenistan:
- The China–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Indian Ocean corridor, providing a southern access point for Central Asian exports;
- The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Indian Ocean corridor, strengthening east-west trade flows;
- The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Tajikistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye–Europe corridor, integrating multiple national networks to enhance freight capacity;
- A potential southern branch of the Middle Corridor via Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye–Balkans, possibly driven by environmental changes affecting the Caspian Sea.
These corridors leverage Turkmenistan’s advantageous geographic position as a bridge between Central Asia and Iran, offering access to both the Caspian Sea and southern maritime ports.
Despite the opportunities, the analysis underlines the need for infrastructure upgrades, improved customs coordination, and stronger regional cooperation to fully unlock Turkmenistan’s transit potential. Investments in rail and port facilities, as well as harmonized logistics standards, are essential to transform these corridors into efficient commercial routes.
Thanks to these improvements, Turkmenistan can really boost its role in the growing transport network, helping regional economic integration and increasing trade between Asia and Europe.
