专访｜中欧班列助推土耳其边城打造区域物流枢纽——访土耳其卡尔斯市市长厄蒂肯·申盖尔

Core Viewpoint - The city of Kars in Turkey aims to become a significant regional logistics hub through the China-Europe Railway Express, leveraging its strategic location and participation in the Belt and Road Initiative [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Importance of Kars - Kars is recognized as a historical and cultural treasure in Eastern Turkey, serving as a gateway to the Caucasus and a crucial transit point for Eastern Anatolia to the Black Sea [1]. - The mayor of Kars, Eytiken Şengal, emphasizes the city's historical and geographical significance, aiming to position Kars as a logistics hub under the Belt and Road Initiative [1][3]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Investment Opportunities - The Belt and Road Initiative presents Kars with opportunities for advanced infrastructure investment, which is expected to boost international trade and enhance the city's strategic role in global trade routes [1][2]. - The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, a key component of the Middle Corridor, enhances freight capacity and competitiveness, with upgrades planned for 2024 [2]. Group 3: Future Development Plans - Kars plans to establish a railway-based industrial ecosystem and improve urban infrastructure to support local businesses in expanding to global markets [2]. - To attract Chinese investors, Kars will simplify foreign investment procedures and create a fair and transparent business environment [2]. Group 4: Cultural and Tourism Potential - Kars aims to leverage its historical significance and natural beauty to attract Chinese tourists, promoting cultural and tourism cooperation with local Chinese governments [3]. - The mayor believes that studying China's development model could provide valuable insights for Kars' own sustainable growth and infrastructure development [3].