The Evolution of the Middle Corridor and Its Implications for Kazakhstan’s International Trade in the Aftermath of the Russia–Ukraine War

Aidarov Tofik Aga-Balaevich^1,*, Yusubaxmedova Durdonaxon², Muhammad Eid Balbaa²

¹Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Kazakhstan

²Tashkent State University of Economics, Uzbekistan

Emails: Tofik-750908@mail.ru; d.yusubaxmedova@uzse.com; m.balbaa@tsue.uz

Abstract

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the role of Middle Corridor raised and this paper examines Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with ten partner countries that reflect the development prospects of the Middle Corridor. Using graphical methods, economic-statistical analysis, as well as explanatory analysis, the study identifies key factors influencing the development of the Middle Corridor. The research is based on data from the Bureau of National Statistics on the website of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan on investments and trade turnover from 2021 to 2025. This research argues that the growing interest in the Middle Corridor has influenced Kazakhstan’s economic trajectory, which, in turn, is shaping the country’s multi-vector foreign policy.

Keywords: Middle Corridor; Central Asia Trade; Transport Corridors; Logistics Efficiency; Regional Integration