Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are moving towards developing a single long-term tariff model as part of the development of the "Middle Corridor" – the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This was announced by Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizing that the work is being carried out jointly with the key participating countries of the route.
Particular emphasis in the initiative is placed on Georgia, which plays a strategic role as a transit link between the Caspian region and the Black Sea. It is through its territory that a critically important part of the logistics chain connecting Central Asia with Europe passes.
In addition to tariff unification, the three countries are simultaneously implementing infrastructure projects: expanding the cargo fleet in the Caspian Sea, deepening the seabed in partnership with Azerbaijan, and modernizing the Kuryk port. All these measures are aimed at increasing the route's capacity and reducing logistics costs.
The idea of a single tariff has been discussed for several years. As early as 2023, then-Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili noted the need to eliminate barriers on the route, simplify procedures, and introduce a common tariff system together with regional partners.
In 2022, the countries of the region, including Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, signed a roadmap for the development of the "Middle Corridor" for the period 2022–2027. The document envisages an increase in cargo turnover between the Caspian and Black Sea regions and further integration of transport systems.
