Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, underscored the strategic importance of developing the Middle Corridor and enhancing transit connectivity during the panel discussion “Middle Corridor: From Reliable to Impactful,” held within the framework of the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.

Calling the event significant for Kazakhstan, Sauranbayev highlighted transit as a key driver of economic growth:

“Transit, which we call ‘Second Oil’ in Kazakhstan, is the future for many countries, including those attending the forum. We are deeply interested in the development of the Middle Corridor,” he said.

The Minister stressed the importance of establishing a strong legal and institutional framework through an intergovernmental agreement to ensure the success and reliability of transit routes.

“Those wishing to invest in infrastructure need guarantees of success. Therefore, we should prepare an intergovernmental agreement with the participation of all countries,” Sauranbayev added.

The discussion also featured Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development; Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transportation of Azerbaijan; Yingming Yang, Vice-President (South, Central and West Asia) of the Asian Development Bank; and Osman Boyraz, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye, who served as co-rapporteurs at the panel.