Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that Turkey has strengthened its position in the global logistics system through strategic projects that enhance international trade corridors. Reminding that projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) Railway and Marmaray provide uninterrupted railway connection from Asia to Europe via the Central Corridor, he emphasized that Turkey offers a route that is much faster and more economical compared to sea and air routes.
The Power and Economic Contribution of the Central Corridor
Minister Uraloğlu noted that goods coming from China through the BTK Railway line are transported to Europe via Marmaray. Thanks to the Central Corridor, he stated that the maritime transport between Asia and Europe, which takes 45 days, is completed in 18 days through Turkey. He pointed out that this route is twice as fast as maritime routes and four times more economical than air routes, and that, connecting 21 countries, this system will reach a transportation capacity of over 20 million tons annually.
The Minister emphasized that the Central Corridor will be the main route of $75 billion worth of trade and will provide approximately $3 billion direct contribution to the Turkish economy.
Zangezur and the Development Road: New Strategic Connections
Uraloğlu indicated that two new strategic connections to enhance the power of the Central Corridor are also on the agenda. First, he mentioned that the Kars – Iğdır – Aralık – Dilucu Railway Line construction works have begun, and that this line, along with the construction of its segments in Nahcivan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, will realize the Zangezur Corridor. He noted that this corridor will make the international trade route extending from China to England more efficient.
Secondly, he stated that with the Development Road Project, which closely concerns European countries, uninterrupted access will be provided from Iraq’s Faw Port in Basra to London and all European countries via land and rail. The Minister added that this strategic corridor will shorten global trade routes, enhance Turkey’s logistical strength, and reinforce regional economic integration.
