BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 4. The EU recognizes the importance of Tajikistan's participation in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor (Middle Corridor, or TITR), Peter Stano, the lead spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission, told Trend.
“For the EU, Tajikistan's participation is particularly important as we see the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor going well beyond offering an alternative land route for the transport of goods between Asia and Europe. It should adopt a network approach and meet the need for Central Asian countries to connect better with each other so that increased cargo flows can bring sustainable economic benefits to the entire region,” Stano stated.
Stano noted that the EU has committed to investing 10 billion euros in sustainable transport connectivity in Central Asia, with contributions from international partners. Under the EU Global Gateway strategy, the European Commission is preparing a regional transport program to support the TITR.
“The overall amount of 10 billion euros comprises ongoing and planned investments from various sources beyond the EU. Following extensive consultations with international partners, the European Commission aims to mobilize funds for sustainable transport development in Central Asia in the short term,” he said.
Stano recalled that the Investors Forum on Sustainable Transport Connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, held in January 2024 in Brussels, brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, investors, and financial institutions. The five Central Asian countries expressed their political commitment to enhancing transport corridors and reinforcing regional connectivity.
“Tajikistan is encouraged to adopt a regional approach to connectivity. The development of transport connections should not only serve the purpose of transit but also aim to improve connections between Central Asian countries,” he emphasized.
The Middle Corridor, or TITR, is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor.
The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye before reaching Europe.