Experts Highlight Strategic Importance Of TITR For Expanding Eurasian Connectivity

Leading policymakers and regional experts on Wednesday underscored the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, in strengthening Eurasian connectivity, diversifying supply chains and enhancing Pakistan's role as a gateway to the Indian Ocean

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2026) Leading policymakers and regional experts on Wednesday underscored the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, in strengthening Eurasian connectivity, diversifying supply chains and enhancing Pakistan's role as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.

The views were expressed at a hybrid seminar titled "Understanding the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR): Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects for Expanding Eurasian Connectivity to Pakistan and the Indian Ocean," organized by the Türkiye and Azerbaijan Programme and the Central Asia Programme at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), said a press release.

The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Baku, Azerbaijan.

Speakers from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Kazakhstan emphasized the growing importance of the Middle Corridor in strengthening Eurasian connectivity, diversifying supply chains, and enhancing Pakistan’s role as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.

President of the Institute of Regional Studies, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, inaugurated the session by describing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route as an emerging driver of regional integration and economic cooperation.

Drawing on successful examples of regional integration, he noted that South Asia remains the world’s least integrated region and stressed that maximizing the corridor’s potential requires improved infrastructure, customs harmonization, digitalization, and stronger regional cooperation. He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location and maritime access through Karachi and Gwadar ports as key assets for linking Central Asia with global markets. He also welcomed the signing of the MoU between IRS and the AIR Center as a milestone for strengthening joint research and policy dialogue on Eurasian affairs.

Chairman of the AIR Center, Baku, Dr. Farid Shafiyev, highlighted the growing geopolitical significance of the Caspian region, noting that recent global developments have reinforced the need for diversified transport and energy corridors.

He described the Middle Corridor as a complementary route connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe while emphasizing Azerbaijan’s investments in transport infrastructure and the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening connectivity.

Dr. Kubatbek Rakhimov, Executive Director of Applicata – Centre for Strategic Solutions and Expert at the Valdai Discussion Club, discussed the corridor’s operational challenges, including infrastructure bottlenecks and limited transport capacity. He stressed that Pakistan has become an increasingly important component of Eurasian logistics and called for greater investment in digital systems and practical infrastructure to support future growth.

Dr. Recep Yorulmaz of Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University emphasized that successful connectivity depends as much on institutional cooperation as geography. He highlighted Türkiye’s investments in regional infrastructure and stressed that integrated logistics hubs, stronger industrial cooperation, and improved regional connectivity would create new economic and diplomatic opportunities across Eurasia.

Mr. Rakhim Oshakbayev, Director of the Center for Applied Research "TALAP", Astana, observed that the Middle Corridor remains a strategically important route between China and Europe despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. He encouraged regional countries, including Pakistan, to pursue diversified connectivity strategies supported by greater investment, stronger logistics networks, and evidence-based policymaking.

The seminar concluded with the signing of the MoU between the Institute of Regional Studies and the AIR Center, reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to advancing research collaboration and policy dialogue. Participants agreed that while the Middle Corridor offers significant opportunities for expanding Eurasian connectivity, its long-term success will depend on coordinated investment, institutional cooperation, and sustained regional commitment. Pakistan’s strategic location positions it to play an increasingly important role in linking Eurasia with the Indian Ocean.