Tokyo:A conference held in Tokyo focused on enhancing transport connectivity between Japan, Central Asia, and the Caucasus through the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and the introduction of a direct air service between Tokyo and Almaty.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event was designed to attract Japanese investment in the TITR’s infrastructure. It gathered around 100 participants, including representatives from relevant government ministries, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Business Association ROTOBO, and Japan’s logistics sector, as reported by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
Kazakhstan’s ambassador, Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, and Azerbaijan’s ambassador, Farid Talibov, outlined their countries’ strategies for transport development, highlighting initiatives to improve logistics chain efficiency and broaden international transport cooperation.
Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev noted the recent commissioning of the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Communication Line in Baku on October 15, 2026, attended by Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ilham Aliyev. This project is anticipated to boost international data exchange capacity and strengthen digital communications resilience.
Kei Takagi, Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, underscored the TITR’s strategic significance for Japan in diversifying international transport and logistics routes. He pointed out that the development of the Middle Corridor could enhance Japan’s trade and economic connections with Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Mieko Koyanagi, Director of the International Logistics Office at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), shared insights from trial shipments by Japanese firms along the Middle Corridor. These trials assessed the route’s key parameters, including delivery times, costs, customs procedures, and transport service quality.
Attention was also given to Japan’s initiative to improve customs efficiency at the Port of Aktau, with a project worth up to JPY 719 million. This includes installing a large-scale X-ray scanning system expected to reduce cargo inspection times significantly.
Additionally, Adel Dauletbek, Air Astana’s Senior Regional Manager for Korea and Japan, highlighted the potential for enhanced transport connectivity with the upcoming launch of direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo’s Narita Airport in December 2026.
Previously, Qazinform reported the signing of an agreement between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan concerning the Middle Corridor development.