Christian Roeder: Information exchange key challenge for Middle Corridor

Information exchange is the main challenge related to the Middle Corridor route, Christian Roeder, CEO of APM Terminals Poti, told journalists, Report informs.

"I think we can all work better to shorten transit times and unlock the potential we already have by ensuring that critical information is communicated along the corridor. That is why it is very good that everyone is together in Baku these days, getting to know each other and knowing who to talk to when certain information is needed," he emphasized.

Roeder noted that the volume of products transported through Baku and subsequently of cargo passing through Georgian ports has increased significantly in recent years: "For years, we have been expanding our cooperation with the Port of Baku, as well as with Azerbaijan Railways CJSC. We are seeing that relations in these areas are progressing really well. I think that together with our partners, we are continuously improving the Middle Corridor project."

Statistical data from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport shows that the volume of cargo transportation along this route has demonstrated steady positive growth: 759,000 tons in 2019, 783,000 tons in 2020, 586,000 tons in 2021, 1.485 million tons in 2022, 2.764 million tons in 2023, and 4.484 million tons in 2024.

According to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the volume of cargo transported via the Middle Corridor amounted to 4.7 million tons in 2025, and this figure is expected to increase by another 10% by 2027. By 2027, the Middle Corridor's annual capacity could reach 10 million tons, which would strengthen Azerbaijan's transit potential and create opportunities to attract additional investment in infrastructure projects.

In January-August 2026, 53,574 TEUs of cargo were transported via the Middle Corridor, representing an 10.86% increase year-on-year.

The target for cargo transportation via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) has been set at 11.4 million tons by 2030.