Istanbul: In recent years, Trkiye has pursued a multilateral foreign policy to diversify its development strategies, boost its economic and political influence, integrate into global supply chains, and deepen its Eurasian connections. The tangible outcomes of these efforts were highlighted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Global Transportation Corridors Forum in Istanbul.
According to TRTworld.com, over $300 billion has been invested in transportation and communication infrastructure during President Erdogan’s administration, with $177 billion allocated for roads and $64 billion for railways, alongside notable investments in air, sea, and digital networks. Trkiye’s current efforts reflect a strategic move to actively participate in this direction, ensuring it is part of the evolving global transportation networks.
One of Trkiye’s most significant steps in this direction was joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) shortly after its launch in 2015. China introduced the BRI in 2013 as a comprehensive infrastructure and development solution addressing societal disparities of unbalanced and inadequate development. The BRI has brought together over 150 countries, representing three-quarters of the world’s countries, two-thirds of the global population, and half of global GDP.
Trkiye’s imports from China have significantly increased since the BRI began, reaching $44 billion in 2024. That year, foreign direct investment from China into Trkiye totaled $750 million. Over 1,200 Chinese companies currently operate in Trkiye. In the last two years, Chinese automakers BYD and Chery announced plans to build factories in Manisa and Samsun, each involving $1 billion in investment. Similarly, Ganfeng Lithium Group announced a $500 million joint venture with Yigit Aku.
Trkiye has set a target of 6.5 million tons of cargo annually through its infrastructure and capacity upgrades. Trkiye is expanding its infrastructure for the Middle Corridor, including a planned double-decker rail line over the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the Halkali-Cerkezkoy-Kapikule line linking it to the EU. Currently, 395 km of track is under construction at a cost of nearly $9 billion, with total investment expected to reach $50 billion.
Historically, Trkiye has played a bridge role due to its geostrategic location. However, it aims to become an investment and logistics hub and a major power in its region. The Middle Corridor is a strategic route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus. Operating for nearly two decades, the Middle Corridor offers to cut shipping time, faster than both the Northern Corridor and Indian Ocean routes.
Today, cargo from China takes approximately 35 days to reach Europe via the South Corridor and the Suez Canal. In contrast, the Middle Corridor can currently deliver cargo in about 18 days. With ongoing improvements, this could be reduced to 13-15 days. Trkiye has embraced the Middle Corridor as a cornerstone of its Central Asia strategy, deepening ties with Turkic-speaking nations and enhancing its geopolitical influence.
The Development Road Project, aligned with the goal of connectivity and reducing transit times, is scheduled for completion by 2030 with an investment of approximately $15 billion. Also known as the “dry canal,” the route will transport goods from the Grand Faw port in southern Iraq, extending to the northern border with Trkiye. The Turkish segment includes 615 km of railway and 320 km of highway.
With this project, Trkiye aims to integrate east-west roads with north-south corridors and assume a central role along an axis stretching from the Caucasus to Africa. The Development Road will cover a wide geography, supporting development through industrial facilities, logistics centres, and production infrastructures to be established along the route. It also serves as a strategic hedge against potential risks.
The Development Road project is intended to integrate seamlessly with the Middle Corridor. Once completed, sea freight from both China and Africa will be able to reach Europe via the southern route in approximately 25 days. The corridor will also reduce risks and dependency for the Gwadar Port. The Middle Corridor will benefit from an alternative link to the Mediterranean, supporting the BRI’s vision of open, inclusive cooperation.
In conclusion, the Development Road project supports not only regional infrastructure but also a multipolar global order. It offers a complementary and reinforcing route to the Middle Corridor, enhancing the security, speed, and diversity of intercontinental trade. By promoting development, it contributes to regional peace and prosperity, offering a compelling model for connectivity-driven diplomacy in the 21st century.