Uzbekistan is actively working on new trade routes that bypass Russia, focusing on the development of the Middle Corridor, which connects China to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
A decree issued by Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlines a five-year development plan aimed at expanding trade routes, reducing transportation costs, and increasing the efficiency of freight logistics through the Middle Corridor, which links China to Europe via the Caspian Sea. The decree emphasizes that Uzbekistan needs to reduce its reliance on Russia as a gateway for trade with the West.
Another goal of the decree is to improve infrastructure and procedures, including expanding truck parking areas and creating more efficient systems to reduce border crossing times at locations such as Davut-Ota, Gisht Kuprik, and Navoi. Transport Minister Ilkhom Mahkamov stated that the plan also includes improving transportation links with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to enhance trade relations with Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
The measures outlined in the decree aim to synchronize westward trade corridors, which will be complemented by the recently launched Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-China railway project. Representatives of the three countries held an inauguration ceremony for the project in December, though construction is not expected to begin until the summer of 2025.
