Japan notes Middle Corridor’s key role in transport diversification

Photo: World Bank

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. Japan considers the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle Corridor), strategically important for diversifying its international transport and logistics routes, Japanese State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kei Takagi said.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Takagi made the remarks at a conference in Tokyo dedicated to strengthening Japan’s transport connectivity with Central Asia and the Caucasus through the development of the TITR and the launch of direct air services between Tokyo and Almaty.

Takagi noted that the development of the Middle Corridor would create additional opportunities to expand Japan’s trade and economic cooperation with countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Around 100 people attended the conference, which focused on attracting Japanese investment in TITR infrastructure. Participants included representatives of relevant ministries, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Association for Trade with Russia and Central-Eastern Europe (ROTOBO), and Japanese logistics companies.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Japan Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Japan Farid Talibov presented their countries’ transport development strategies aimed at improving logistics chains and expanding international transport cooperation.

In his remarks, Baudarbek-Kozhatayev also highlighted the commissioning of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line, which took place in Baku on October 15. The line is designed to expand international data exchange and improve the resilience of digital communications.

Air Astana’s Regional Manager for South Korea and Japan, Adel Dauletbek, outlined prospects for expanding air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Japan. He spoke about plans to launch direct regular flights between Almaty and Tokyo’s Narita Airport in December 2026.

Mieko Koyanagi, Director of the International Logistics Office at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, presented the results of trial shipments conducted by Japanese companies along the Middle Corridor. The trials made it possible to assess key route parameters, including delivery times and costs, customs clearance procedures, and the quality of transport and logistics services.

Particular attention was also paid to Japan’s assistance in improving customs administration at the port of Aktau. The project, worth up to 719 million yen (about $4.5 million), provides for equipping the port with a stationary large-scale X-ray scanning system, which is expected to reduce inspection times threefold.