Highlights from the 3rd Trans-Caspian Connectivity Conference in London

Last week, the Caspian Policy Center convened the 3rd London Conference on Trans‑Caspian Connectivity, themed “Harnessing the Momentum, Building on the Synergies”, at Arundel House, Temple Place. The event brought together policymakers, financiers, diplomats, and private-sector leaders to deepen cooperation along the Middle Corridor, linking the Caucasus and Central Asia with Europe, China, and South Asia.Efgan Nifti, CPC President, reported a 62% surge in cargo traffic along the Trans‑Caspian International Transport Route over the past year. He acknowledged the remaining challenges but said the growing coordination among partners is significantly boosting the corridor’s potential. Lord John Alderdice, UK Trade Envoy, highlighted the UK’s expanding engagement across the Caspian region—from renewable energy to financial services—and underscored the need to improve connectivity. He pointed to UK-supported sovereign bonds issued by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, totaling approximately $10 billion on the London Stock Exchange.

Ambassador Perspectives

Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UK, noted that regional conflicts are reshaping the global landscape and emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to connectivity.

Osman Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of Türkiye to the UK, shared that freight volumes along the corridor have tripled and projected that, with the right investments and coordination, these volumes could increase tenfold by 2030. 

Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK, described the Middle Corridor as an integral and organic part of the region, opening doors to new opportunities and regional cooperation. He highlighted the strategic role of Azerbaijan in realizing the Middle Corridor and its position as a key connecting hub within the Corridor.

Ulan Djusupov, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the UK said the corridor is more than a transit route, it’s a driver of regional transformation, modernization, and sustainable growth.

Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador of Armenia to the UK, called for the corridor to become a “Crossroads of Peace,” adding that Armenian routes could reduce transit costs by 30–40%.

George Saganelidze, Chargé d’affaires of Georgia to the UK, described the corridor as a geostrategic asset that promotes peace, resilience, and inclusive development.

Sector-specific Updates

Grigory Savva from the EBRD announced a new €1.5 billion MoU with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, as well as a €3.5 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects.

Teymur Huseynov of PASHA Holding shared updates on major investments in Azerbaijan’s Alat port, free zones, and clean energy ventures. Oxford’s Richard Walker stressed the importance of seismic risk planning for cross-border infrastructure.

Leyla Keser of Tethys: Trans-Eurasian Gateway discussed how corridor investments are aligning with critical mineral trade flows and EBRD-backed development.

Vladimir Pakhomov of Atyrau Airport announced a $50 million upgrade to Atyrau Airport.

Afke Schaart  of Eutelsat/OneWeb) noted that their satellite internet services are already in use on 15 trains and maritime routes.

Asset Onglassov of AIFC described how more than 80 transport and logistics firms are now operating in their ecosystem, and highlighted AIFC’s role in funding both hard and soft infrastructure.

This year’s conference confirmed that the Middle Corridor is no longer an emerging alternative—it is fast becoming a core trade and transit route between East and West.In case you missed this event, check out the key highlights here.