Umberto de Pretto reveals record-breaking transit volumes on Middle Corridor

The volume of transit traffic through the Middle Corridor has significantly increased in recent years, reaching record levels, Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), said in an interview with Report.

According to him, the Middle Corridor plays a strategic role not only from an economic but also from a political perspective:

"This route strengthens strategic connections between China and the European Union. Its growing importance is constantly discussed at international forums. However, existing challenges such as unstable tariffs, high logistics costs, and supply chain disruptions are hindering the realization of its full potential."

De Pretto noted that optimizing transit costs and increasing transparency are key priorities for improving transportation efficiency:

"It's necessary to strengthen interstate coordination, implement unified tariff policies, and develop digital solutions. Additionally, improving cargo transportation across the Caspian Sea, including increasing the RO-PAX fleet and modernizing port infrastructure, will reduce waiting times and increase the corridor's attractiveness."

He also indicated that 19,400 vehicles were transported through the corridor in 2022, whereas in 2015 this figure was only 3,000-5,000. By 2025, this number could reach 40,000.

Citing World Bank data, de Pretto emphasized that by 2030, cargo volume through the Middle Corridor could reach 11 million tons, with transit time being reduced by half. Special attention should be paid to infrastructure modernization and development of logistics centers with support from international financial institutions, he concluded.