Istanbul: Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Oraloglu emphasized the strategic significance of the “Middle Corridor” as a vital alternative to traditional trade routes, positioning Turkey as a crucial hub in the exchange of goods between 21 countries.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Oraloglu outlined the Middle Corridor’s expansive network, which includes 4,256 kilometers of road and rail connections, along with 508 kilometers of maritime links. He noted that Turkey’s central position within this corridor effectively reduces shipping times-shipments that historically took 35 days via the Suez Canal and 45 days via the Cape of Good Hope will now take just 15 days once the Middle Corridor project is fully operational.
The Minister highlighted the competitive edge offered by the Middle Corridor, citing its speed advantage over maritime transport and cost-effectiveness compared to air transport. He remarked, “Our country occupies a very important position thanks to its ability to ensure uninterrupted access to shipments from China to Europe via rail. Turkey is becoming a backbone of trade routes that directly connect 21 countries.”
Oraloglu further discussed the significant economic potential of the Middle Corridor, projecting an annual trade capacity of up to $75 billion via rail. He asserted that the corridor would not only benefit Turkey but also enhance the economic landscape of the surrounding region.
He added that the investments and projects completed as part of this initiative are expected to facilitate the transportation of 6.5 million tons of goods annually. This development will provide substantial advantages for Turkey and all nations along the route.
The ten-year forecast for the Middle Corridor’s impact on production is estimated to reach $114 billion, with an anticipated creation of approximately 144,000 direct and indirect jobs annually. The Middle Corridor offers an alternative to the Northern Corridor, which connects China and Europe, traversing from Turkey to the Caucasus, across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, and ultimately to China.