The Middle Corridor - the Trans-Caspian transport route - can become a global model for efficient and connected trade, IRU President Radu Dinescu stressed at the International Transport Forum at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In 2024, freight volumes from China to Europe along the Middle Corridor increased by more than 80% compared to 2023, and all signs point to more goods moving along the Middle Corridor in the coming years. As an important gateway to markets, the Middle Corridor presents opportunities that go far beyond its geographical boundaries. Speaking at the panel discussion “Harnessing the Potential of the Middle Corridor” at the OECD headquarters in Paris, IRU President Radu Dinescu said: “Road transport is fundamental to commerce and trade. It is the link that connects all modes of transport, providing first- and last-mile connectivity and making entire supply chains efficient.”

“Our goal is to make the Middle Corridor a ‘model corridor’,” he added.

To achieve this goal, IRU is working with governments along the route based on three guiding principles: simplification of existing rules and regulations to eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens; digitalization to speed up processes, increase transparency and reduce the number of documents required and the cost of storing them; and harmonization of rules affecting cross-border commercial road transport, including ratification and full implementation of existing UN transport conventions.

Once implemented, this ‘model corridor’ concept could serve as a model for other regions, including the Middle East and the Bio-Ocean Corridor of South America.

ORIENT