THE NEW SILK ROAD: UZBEKISTAN’S STRATEGIC PIVOT TO THE TRANS-CASPIAN ROUTE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/Keywords:
Middle Corridor, Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, double-landlocked, land-linked, CKU Railway, multimodal logistics, e-Permit system, trade diversification, FDI, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, geopolitical autonomy, 2030 strategic vision.Abstract
As of 2026, Uzbekistan is successfully navigating its transition from a "double-landlocked" geographical constraint to a "land-linked" regional hub through the strategic development of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route). This article examines the multifaceted importance of this corridor for Tashkent’s economic sovereignty and geopolitical autonomy. By analyzing the active construction phase of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway and the implementation of digital transit systems like e-Permits, the study highlights how Uzbekistan is slashing transit times to Europe to just 10–15 days.
Furthermore, the article explores the corridor’s role in attracting over $10 billion in FDI and diversifying trade routes away from volatile northern paths. Despite environmental challenges in the Caspian Sea, trilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey is fostering a unified, cost-effective transit regime. Ultimately, the Middle Corridor serves as the primary engine for Uzbekistan’s 2030 vision, transforming a unique geographic isolation into a competitive advantage within the global supply chain.
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