哈萨克斯坦"霍尔果斯-东门"无水港位于中哈边境杰特苏州"霍尔果斯-东门"经济特区内，占地总面积 129.8公顷，是中亚地区最大的陆港。已在此工作8年的"霍尔果斯-东门"无水港商务经理穆斯利姆·卡德 罗夫告诉记者，哈中物流合作为当地居民生活带来了实实在在的好处，也为边境地区带来"井喷式商 机"，多重优惠政策和税收减免红利已吸引近百家企业入驻经济特区，不断吸引优秀人才前来落户。 卡德罗夫说，"霍尔果斯-东门"无水港自2015年以来，作业线路由最初的6条增至19条，经营业务由单一 的集装箱换装扩充至集装箱、散杂货、商品车等货源换装，截至2024年，无水港换装量由2万标箱增至 32.4万标箱。今年前8个月无水港换装量依然保持高速增长。 走进里海沿岸的主要海运枢纽阿克套港，记者看到，整齐堆放三层的集装箱中有近一半来自中国。港口 工人正用起重机有条不紊地将货物装载到停靠在岸边的货轮上。这里是里海最现代化的港口之一，也是 跨里海国际运输走廊的重要一环。 新华社阿拉木图10月4日电 记者手记｜多线布局促中哈物流合作稳步向前 新华社记者郑钰 孟菁 张继业 草原深处驼铃回响，中欧（中亚）班列"钢铁驼队"奔腾不息，跨里海国际运输走 ...

9月9日，中欧班列（浙江）跨里海国际运输走廊班列开行5周年暨接车仪式在阿塞拜疆首都巴库举 行。阿塞拜疆官员在活动上说，将推动提升途经该国的中欧班列数量。 当日，中欧班列（浙江）跨里海国际运输走廊班列第237列抵达巴库阿普歇伦物流中心。该班列从 浙江出发，途经中亚，采用"铁-海-铁"多式联运模式抵达巴库，比传统海运节省约三分之一的时间。 阿塞拜疆数字发展和交通部运输政策司司长法里兹·阿利耶夫说，过去5年，阿塞拜疆过境货物运输 量增长了5倍。"2024年途经阿塞拜疆的中欧班列数量为358列。我们今年的目标是提高到450列，中期目 标是每年1000列。" 阿利耶夫在接受采访时说："阿塞拜疆是跨里海国际运输走廊的重要环节，我们正大力发展交通基 础设施。中国是我们在交通运输领域的重要战略伙伴之一，特别是在中欧班列运输方面。" 跨里海国际运输走廊，又称"中间走廊"，起自中国，经哈萨克斯坦和里海水域至阿塞拜疆、格鲁吉 亚，并可延伸至土耳其和欧洲国家。通过该走廊可大幅缩短中国和欧洲之间陆上和海运时间。 国家邮政局网声明:此消息系转载，国家邮政局网登载此文出于传递更多信息之目的，并不意味着 赞同其观点或证实其描述。文章内容仅供 ...

阿塞拜疆数字发展和交通部运输政策司司长法里兹·阿利耶夫说，过去5年，阿塞拜疆过境货物运输量增 长了5倍。"2024年途经阿塞拜疆的中欧班列数量为358列。我们今年的目标是提高到450列，中期目标是 每年1000列。" 阿利耶夫在接受新华社记者采访时说："阿塞拜疆是跨里海国际运输走廊的重要环节，我们正大力发展 交通基础设施。中国是我们在交通运输领域的重要战略伙伴之一，特别是在中欧班列运输方面。" 跨里海国际运输走廊，又称"中间走廊"，起自中国，经哈萨克斯坦和里海水域至阿塞拜疆、格鲁吉亚， 并可延伸至土耳其和欧洲国家。通过该走廊可大幅缩短中国和欧洲之间陆上和海运时间。 新华社巴库9月9日电（记者刘书辰）中欧班列（浙江）跨里海国际运输走廊班列开行5周年暨接车仪式9 日在阿塞拜疆首都巴库举行。阿塞拜疆官员在活动上说，将推动提升途经该国的中欧班列数量。 当日，中欧班列（浙江）跨里海国际运输走廊班列第237列抵达巴库阿普歇伦物流中心。该班列从浙江 出发，途经中亚，采用"铁-海-铁"多式联运模式抵达巴库，比传统海运节省约三分之一的时间。 责编：张荣耀、卢思宇 ...

Group 1 - The core point of the article discusses the recent peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, facilitated by the United States, which includes the establishment of a transportation corridor controlled by the U.S. for 99 years [3][4][42] - The historical context of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is rooted in a century-long rivalry, exacerbated by the geopolitical dynamics of the region, particularly the influence of Russia [5][10][20] - The agreement is seen as a strategic move for both countries, especially Armenia, to seek alternatives to Russian influence, as both nations have grown disillusioned with Russia's role in the region [22][41] Group 2 - The Zangezur corridor is positioned as a significant geopolitical asset, connecting Azerbaijan to Turkey and enhancing its strategic importance in the region [24][38] - The corridor is expected to improve trade routes and energy supplies, particularly for Azerbaijan's oil and gas exports to Turkey and the EU, which is crucial for both economic and energy security [39][40] - The article highlights the potential for increased geopolitical tensions, particularly with Iran's strong opposition to the U.S. presence in the region and concerns over the implications for regional stability [44][51] Group 3 - The peace agreement and the establishment of the corridor could lead to a shift in the regional power dynamics, with the U.S. gaining a foothold in an area traditionally dominated by Russia [16][42] - The involvement of the U.S. raises concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Turkey, about the potential for increased military presence and influence in the South Caucasus [45][52] - The article concludes that while the peace agreement is a positive development, the broader implications for regional integration and trust among global powers remain uncertain [53][54]

Group 1 - Turkish President Erdogan and Kazakh President Tokayev held talks to strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors, including energy and transportation [1] - The two leaders co-chaired the fifth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, resulting in the signing of several cooperation documents [1] - The discussion included the feasibility of exporting Kazakh oil to Europe and the global market through Turkey, as well as specific plans to enhance the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor [1] Group 2 - Tokayev emphasized that Turkey is a key partner for Kazakhstan in trade and investment, with bilateral trade reaching $5 billion last year [1] - There is significant potential for cooperation in transportation and logistics, particularly as most land freight between Europe and China passes through Kazakhstan [1] - Kazakhstan has initiated infrastructure improvement projects for railways and roads to promote Caspian shipping, inviting Turkish investors to participate [1] Group 3 - Both leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in the energy sector, with approximately 1.4 million tons of Kazakh oil transported to Turkey via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline annually [1] - They discussed ways to further increase the transportation capacity of this pipeline [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Caspian Corridor, also known as the "Trans-Caspian International Transport Route," serves as a vital logistics channel connecting China and Europe, bypassing traditional Russian routes amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, thus becoming an alternative for Eurasian trade [2][12]. Route and Coverage - Geographic Path: Starts from Xinjiang, China (Kashgar or Horgos) [2]. - Major Nodes: - Kazakhstan: Aktau Port (core hub on the eastern Caspian) [3]. - Caspian Sea: Rail-to-ferry transfer across the Caspian Sea (approximately 3,500 km in total length) [4]. - Azerbaijan: Baku Port (logistics center on the western Caspian) [5]. - Georgia: Tbilisi (Caucasus hub) [6]. - Endpoint: Istanbul, Turkey, or Europe (e.g., Germany, Netherlands) [7]. Multimodal Transport Model - The transport model includes: - Rail from China to Kazakhstan - Ferry across the Caspian Sea - Rail/Road from Azerbaijan/Georgia to Europe [8]. Core Advantages and Strategic Value - Time and Cost Optimization: - Transport time from China to Europe is reduced to 15-20 days, compared to 45 days for traditional sea routes [10]. - Cost per standard container is approximately $2,363, slightly higher than sea freight ($1,940-$2,200), but offers advantages in low carbon emissions, fewer transshipments, and high punctuality [11]. - Geopolitical Advantages: - The corridor provides a stable alternative route amid disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, attracting support from Western and Central Asian countries [12]. - Economic Impact: - Kazakhstan's transit fees exceed $200 million annually, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan benefit from breaking their landlocked status [13]. - The corridor connects Kazakhstan's oil and gas resources and key minerals from Central Asia, ensuring the security of the European supply chain [14]. - Key Component of China's Belt and Road Initiative: - The corridor is prioritized in China's high-quality Belt and Road construction actions, enhancing the strategic position of Xinjiang [15]. Operational Status and Development Goals - Explosive Growth in Freight Volume: - Freight volume reached 4.1 million tons in the first 11 months of 2024 (up 63% year-on-year), with container volume at 50,500 TEUs (a 2.6-fold increase) [16]. - Freight volume was only 1.5 million tons in 2022, with projections to exceed 4.5 million tons in 2024 (a sixfold increase over five years) [16]. - Infrastructure Upgrades: - Aktau Port in Kazakhstan is set to open in June 2025, with an annual capacity of 240,000 TEUs [16]. - Baku Port expansion will increase capacity to 25 million tons/500,000 TEUs [16]. - Electrification of the Dostyk-Moyynty railway segment in Kazakhstan will increase capacity fivefold [16]. - Long-term Goals: - Targeting freight volume of 10 million tons by 2027 (current capacity is 6 million tons/year) [16]. - Projected container volume of 130,000 TEUs by 2040, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development [16]. Challenges and Bottlenecks - Infrastructure Shortcomings: - Insufficient ferry capacity with only 13 ferries servicing the Baku-Aktau route, leading to mismatched port throughput and rail capacity [16]. - Low efficiency in transshipment, requiring multiple loading and unloading processes, which increases time costs (e.g., 1-2 days for transshipment at Aktau Port) [16]. - Funding Gaps: - An estimated $38.8 billion is needed for upgrades, with a financing gap of approximately $1.8 billion from the private sector [16]. - Geopolitical Tensions: - Russia's implicit resistance due to concerns over losing control in Central Asia [16]. - Great Power Competition: - The U.S. and Europe are promoting "friend-shoring" to dominate critical mineral supply chains [16]. Key Metrics Summary - Total Length: Approximately 4,766 km - Transport Time: 15-20 days from China to Europe - Freight Volume: 4.5 million tons in 2024 (410,000 tons in the first 11 months) - Container Volume: 50,500 TEUs (first 11 months of 2024) - 2027 Target: 10 million tons - Cost: $2,363 per TEU (China to Turkey) [16]. Conclusion - The Caspian Corridor is emerging as a strategic route in the Eurasian trade landscape, characterized by its efficiency, geopolitical risk mitigation, and deep integration with China's Belt and Road Initiative. Despite facing infrastructure and funding challenges, the rapid growth in freight volume and collaborative efforts among countries along the route indicate its potential for continued expansion. If bottlenecks in ferry capacity and transshipment efficiency are addressed, it could rival traditional Eurasian land bridges as a primary artery for trade [16].

Core Viewpoint - The Aktaou Port container hub project is a significant milestone in the high-quality construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, enhancing the international transport corridor across the Caspian Sea and boosting logistics capabilities in Central Asia [1][2]. Group 1: Project Development and Impact - The Aktaou Port container hub project has officially launched its first phase, serving as a modern "refueling" and "dispatch" station for the international transport corridor [1]. - The cargo volume along the Caspian international transport route in Kazakhstan has surged by an astonishing 33 times over the past year [2]. - The project is designed to handle an annual throughput of 240,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), positioning it as one of the largest logistics centers in Central Asia upon completion [10]. Group 2: Operational Capacity and Upgrades - In the first four months of this year, the port's container throughput reached 25,000 TEUs, with expectations to break last year's record if the current growth trend continues [8]. - The port has undergone significant upgrades to accommodate the rapid increase in cargo volume, including the purchase of new vessels and cranes, as well as berth expansion projects [8]. - The construction site spans 19 hectares, with a container storage capacity exceeding 2,000 TEUs, supported by the development of 11 dedicated railway lines [12]. Group 3: Employment and Collaboration - The project provides a valuable opportunity for local workers to learn from Chinese practices, fostering collaboration between Kazakhstan and China [14][16]. - The completion of the project is expected to create numerous job opportunities for the local population, contributing to regional economic growth [18].