Baku: 'Serious competition and struggles are taking place around the Middle Corridor,' Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yildirim stated during a panel discussion on the Middle Corridor held within the framework of the 13th Global Baku Forum.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Yildirim emphasized that the volume of cargo transported through this corridor has the potential to increase significantly, reaching up to 20 million tons. He pointed out that approximately 90% of transportation from Asia to Europe is still conducted by sea, while alternative routes, such as the Northern and the Middle Corridors, are available. The trade turnover between Europe and Asia is about $3 trillion, which highlights the significant economic scale involved.

Yildirim noted that while the Middle Corridor's share remains limited, it has grown from transporting 1 million tons to 5 million tons of cargo. He stressed that the corridor's potential is much greater, with the possibility to expand to 20 million tons. The Middle Corridor offers one of the shortest routes, enabling cargo delivery from East to West within 12-15 days, thereby facilitating the development of both regional and global trade.

In addition to discussing the Middle Corridor, Yildirim highlighted the importance of the TANAP gas pipeline project. He described it as a strategic initiative that ensures the transportation of energy resources, passing through several countries and contributing to regional energy security.