A business mission led by Minister of Transport Ivan Bednárik focused on developing transport and logistics links in Central Asia has resulted in significant steps to strengthen freight transport between Europe and Asia, particularly through the Trans-Caspian corridor.
Interest in the Trans-Caspian Corridor and Rail Cooperation
The Trans-Caspian corridor, also known as the Middle Corridor, represents an important alternative to traditional routes via Russia. The Czech delegation’s discussions concentrated on the development of rail infrastructure and logistics centers, with a key role played by cooperation with Kazakhstan, where a memorandum on rail transport was signed, opening the way to concrete projects and the involvement of Czech carriers such as ČD Cargo and Metrans.
- Strengthening connections between Europe and Asia outside Russian territory, with emphasis on the Trans-Caspian corridor.
- Memorandum on cooperation in rail transport between the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan supporting further development.
- Kazakhstan’s interest in creating a dry port in the Czech Republic as a logistics hub.
- Negotiations on regular cargo air connections between Ostrava and Baku, and support for the modernization of railways in Kyrgyzstan.
The results of the mission can be seen as a continuation of the growing diversification of routes and the increasing importance of Central Asian transport corridors. These contacts open opportunities for Czech companies to participate in infrastructure and logistics projects beyond the traditional Russian transit. The future depends on the ability to streamline customs clearance, digitize processes, and improve interoperability between carriers to fully harness the potential of these routes.
Source: Systémy Logistiky
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