The Logistics Conjuncture of the Middle Corridor Trade Route and Turkey’s Strategic Role

Abstract

The Middle Corridor (MC) is a very important multimodal trade route that connects the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the European Union (EU). Functioning as a bridge by linking Europe with Central Asia and the Middle East, Türkiye has a special role along this route. Recent increase in the geopolitical tension such as the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine caused a significant increase in demand for the MC. However, this spike in demand has also exposed the route’s technical and operational weaknesses.  Lack of coordination between neighbouring countries and the delays encountered during transitions between railway and road networks are some of the most important issues that need to be resolved. This study examines Türkiye’s role in enhancing the MC’s efficiency. Key infrastructural investments, such as new railroad projects and the integration of electric trucks for last-mile transshipment, are analysed in terms of their potential to improve the environmental performance and the level of sustainability of the MC. It is emphasized that the coordination between countries should not be limited to cross-border coordination. Conducting infrastructural projects in a joint manner and exchanging expertise among MC countries are expected to benefit both the MC’s performance and the development of these countries. Despite the high potential of MC, due to the limitations of this route, the logistics sector professionals tend to avoid this route. With this study MC’s key challenges and solutions to these issues are presented. These solutions aim to increase the MC’s reliability and economic viability.