Study of The Silk Road Book

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Sustained Progress on the New Silk Road in the Middle Corridor

In the dynamic space of the Middle Corridor, the modern Silk Road has gained new strength of revival with the economic evolution of the Caucasus and Central Asia. These unique regions, once the site of the caravanserais of the ancient Silk Road, have now become active links in the modern transport corridor of the new Silk Road, known as the Middle Corridor.


Since gaining independence in 1991, the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia have embarked on a steady path towards market economies. With impressive growth rates averaging 7% between 1996 and 2011, these regions have outperformed global peers, effectively reducing poverty and setting the stage for economic recovery.

The logistics and transport infrastructure of the Middle Corridor are becoming a guiding force promoting trade and economic relations between the countries of the Silk Road. This complex network becomes the core of a sustainable future, transforming cities such as Astana, Almaty, Tashkent, Bishkek, Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku into dynamic centers of sustainable development. These urban centers are not just spectators of history; they are the architects of a new heritage that goes beyond the mere preservation of historical genes and technologies.

Sustainable development, which includes economic vitality, environmental awareness and cultural preservation, is the cornerstone of the evolution of the modern Silk Road.

The revival of the Silk Road is a catalyst for sustainable development through active regional cooperation. Collaborative efforts in infrastructure development, renewable energy initiatives and cultural heritage preservation create a vibrant uniqueness of these regions that resonates with the interconnected spirit of the golden era of the Silk Road.

In the 21st century, the Silk Road is experiencing a profound renaissance, marked by a dynamic shift towards green technologies, cleaner production and widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Tashkent, with its vibrant trade dynamics, is leading economic growth coupled with environmentally conscious development, setting a huge precedent. Bishkek stands out for its forward-thinking initiatives that embody innovation and sustainability along the Silk Road.

July 2023, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
International election observer to Uzbekistan's presidential election.

Tbilisi, a city that combines culture and commerce, paints a vibrant portrait of a unique Silk Road city thriving on diversity and creativity, demonstrating the intersection of cultural heritage and environmental conservation. Baku, emerging as a logistics and economic hub, symbolizes the economic resilience and growth potential inherent in the cities of the Silk Road.

Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, along with Yerevan in Armenia, make significant contributions to the modern narrative of the Silk Road. Astana, a beacon of green development with a harmonious combination of modern architecture and sustainable urban planning, sets a precedent. Almaty, as the largest city in Kazakhstan, actively supports green initiatives for a sustainable future. Yerevan adds a rich cultural palette to the sustainable transformation of the Silk Road, emphasizing a commitment to preserving historical roots while embracing modern sustainable practices.

The modern Silk Road seamlessly combines economic vitality with environmental responsibility, going beyond the revival of ancient trade routes. This roadmap, now called the Middle Corridor, serves as a guiding framework, positioning sustainable development as the foundation for success in today's global economy.

The Middle Corridor, the most important multimodal transport route linking China with Europe, serves as a strategic route consistent with the principles of the New Silk Road. This corridor embodies resilience, innovation and adaptability in the face of ever-changing geopolitical challenges.

Our research journey went beyond visual documentation and involved experts and business representatives in the Middle Corridor countries. Maersk, a key player in the global logistics market, enthusiastically confirmed the economic attractiveness of this route. The seaport of Poti in Georgia, Europe's most important gateway to the Middle Corridor, has undergone transformational changes, attracting significant investment and signaling its growing importance in global trade.

In a conversation with Mr. Irakli Danelia, Business Development Manager for Central Asia and the Caucasus at Maersk, the paramount importance of the relevance and prospects of the Middle Corridor resonated strongly. The growing importance of this route, reflected in the port's exponential growth, underscores its role as a transformative force in sustainable global trade. The echoes of the Silk Road are not just historical whispers, but resonant calls for a modern Renaissance. Characterized by resilience, innovation and adaptability, the modern Silk Road tells a story of progress that transcends time, uniting the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Middle Corridor in a dynamic path to sustainable prosperity.

September 2023, Tbilisi, Georgia
Our meeting with Mr. Irakli Danelia and Ms. Nicole van Haelst. 


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