UK looks at infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan and Georgia

“The UK Export Finance Agency (UKEF) has already completed its first deal in the Azerbaijani aviation sector and is currently studying port and rail infrastructure modernization projects in Kazakhstan and Georgia,” said John Alderdis, the UK’s special trade representative for Azerbaijan and Central Asia, at a conference on Caspian transport connectivity in London.

He also noted that London’s interest in infrastructure projects along the Middle Corridor (a strategic route connecting Asia with Europe via Kazakhstan, the South Caucasus and Turkey) is growing rapidly.

“The development of the Middle Corridor should become a priority for all countries in the region. This direction creates enormous economic potential,” — noted Alderdis.

In addition, Alderdis emphasized the harmonization of trade standards, simplification of customs procedures and the transition to digital platforms.

According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in order to fully utilize the potential of this corridor, an investment of about 18.5 billion euros will be required in solid infrastructure — in the expansion of ports, renewal of rolling stock and construction of logistics hubs.

According to official data, in 2024, the cargo turnover of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) increased by 62% and reached 4.5 million tons. In 2025, an increase of up to 5.2 million tons is expected, of which 4.2 million tons will pass through the countries participating in the route.

It is expected that 2.5 million tons will be dry cargo (about 96,000 TEU), and 1.7 million tons will be oil. The total throughput of the route could reach 10 million tons by 2027.

Info: europetime.eu