The 2026 "Middle Corridor" International Business Delegation Visit was held in Chengdu on April 28. Dozens of business representatives and institutions from Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and other countries visited Chengdu International Railway Port to discuss cooperation opportunities in steel and hardware trading, equipment manufacturing and international logistics.
The "Middle Corridor", also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is an emerging logistics corridor connecting Asia and Europe. In April 2026, the return China-Europe Railway Express service from Izmir, Turkey to Chengdu was launched. So far, Chengdu China-Europe Railway Express has operated more than 21,000 trains, connecting 135 overseas cities.
At the event, Atakan Ozdemir, Chief Commercial Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in China, said that the Middle Corridor offers higher logistics efficiency compared with traditional maritime transportation. Chengdu International Railway Port has demonstrated strong advantages as an important Eurasian logistics hub with comprehensive industrial capabilities.
International businesses are also optimistic about the opportunities brought by the China-Europe Railway Express. Baris Melek noted that the Middle Corridor complements the Belt and Road Initiative, creating new opportunities for countries, enterprises and communities along the route.
Chinese companies are also actively expanding overseas markets through China-Europe rail freight services. China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Chengdu Wangpai Commercial Vehicle Co., Ltd. is exploring cooperation with Turkey, particularly in the field of new energy commercial vehicles.
During the event, the Turkey (Chengdu) International Trade Procurement Center was officially launched. The center aims to build an international distribution network between Turkey and Chengdu, further improving trade connectivity and logistics efficiency.
