Core Viewpoint - Kars, a historically significant city in eastern Turkey, aims to become a regional logistics hub under the Belt and Road Initiative, leveraging its strategic location and infrastructure investments [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 transit point for eastern Anatolia to the Black Sea [1]. - The city is positioned as a key player in the "Middle Corridor," which connects China to Europe, significantly reducing transportation time [2]. Group 2: Infrastructure Development - The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, operational since 2017 and upgraded in 2024, enhances the cargo capacity and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor [2]. - Kars is set to become the first station connecting the China-Europe Railway Express with Turkey's railway network, presenting new development opportunities [2]. Group 3: Future Plans and Investments - Plans include establishing a railway-based industrial ecosystem and improving urban infrastructure to support local businesses in global markets [2]. - Kars aims to simplify foreign investment procedures to attract Chinese investors and create a fair and transparent business environment [2]. Group 4: Cultural and Tourism Development - Kars intends to promote its "Silk Road city" concept, natural beauty, and local cuisine to attract Chinese tourists [3]. - The city plans to collaborate with Chinese local governments for cultural and tourism initiatives [3].

Core Insights - 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 historical significance [1][2] - Kars is positioned as a key city along the "Middle Corridor," which connects China to Europe, enhancing international trade and infrastructure investment opportunities [2] - The Bakü-Tbilisi-Kars railway, a crucial part of the "Middle Corridor," has improved freight capacity and competitiveness, with further upgrades planned for 2024 [2] Infrastructure and Investment - Kars is set to benefit from increased freight volumes as it becomes the first station connecting the China-Europe Railway Express to Turkey's railway network, presenting new development opportunities [2] - Future plans include establishing a railway-based industrial ecosystem and modernizing railway infrastructure to enhance container transport speed and efficiency [2] - The city aims to simplify foreign investment procedures to attract Chinese investors and create a fair and transparent business environment [2] Cultural and Tourism Development - Kars, known for its historical significance as a cultural crossroads, plans to promote its "Silk Road city" concept to attract Chinese tourists [3] - The local government intends to collaborate with Chinese counterparts in cultural and tourism sectors to increase visitor numbers from China [3] - The mayor believes that studying China's development model could provide valuable insights for Kars' sustainable growth and infrastructure development [3]