The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, could significantly transform trade within Eurasia and between its regions if investments in infrastructure are made and customs procedures are streamlined, Caleb Orr, U.S. Assistant Secretary Of State for Economic, Energy аnd Business Affairs, said in an interview with Trend.
Orr said the route, which passes through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus, provides a direct link between the region and markets in the United States and Europe. Full operationalization of the Trans-Caspian Trade Corridor, he added, could strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure the secure movement of goods, information and energy resources.
Developing the corridor’s potential was highlighted as a priority at the summit marking the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format, held in November 2025. At the summit, the five Central Asian countries and the United States agreed to focus on enhancing regional connectivity and logistics resilience.
Orr emphasized that investments in transit and logistics, critical minerals, the agro-industrial sector and digital infrastructure would create additional opportunities for U.S. businesses while increasing the volume of goods and strategic resources transported along the route.
The Middle Corridor offers an alternative to traditional northern and southern routes. It begins in China, passes through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, crosses the Caspian Sea, and continues through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to reach European markets. Its key advantage is shorter distances compared with maritime routes and the diversification of international transport chains.
