On June 9, 2023, in the city of Astana, Kazakhstan, as part of the Astana International Forum, a session was held on the topic “The Middle Corridor: Strengthening the Eurasian connectivity”.

The speakers at this session were Nurlan Sauranbayev, Chairman of the Managing Board of the International Association "Trans-Caspian International Transport Route", Chairman of the Management Board JSC "NC" Kazakhstan Railways", Mirek Dushek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, Zsuzanna Hargitai, Managing Director for Central Asia, EBRD, Wibke Schloemer, Director for Central Asia and Turkey, IFC, Dr. Yang Zhao, Managing Director of China International Capital Corporation Global Institute.

Within the framework of the event, the session participants discussed such issues as the digitalization of the TITR route, the introduction of green technologies, as well as the possibility of increasing trade between Europe and Asia using the TITR infrastructure capabilities.

During the discussion, the experts noted that one of the main areas for realizing the potential of the TITR would be investments in infrastructure projects on railways and seaports located along the route of the TITR. The international financial institutions of the EU are showing more and more interest in the TITR route, whose representatives have repeatedly noted the importance of developing this route.

In addition, China also sees the promising potential of the route. According to Dr. Zhao, China is optimistic about TITR as a bridge to secure trade links between China and the EU.