Lapis Lazuli Corridor: Enhancing Economic Connectivity in Central Asia

The Lapis Lazuli Corridor is a significant trade and transit route that connects key Central Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, facilitating the transportation of goods and resources. Named after the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, which has been mined in Afghanistan for thousands of years, this corridor aims to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic cooperation among the countries involved.

Historical Significance and Modern Relevance

Built upon historical trade routes, the Lapis Lazuli Corridor is not just a modern development, but a continuation of a centuries-old network of trade and commerce. In the 2000s BC, lapis lazuli stone was exported from Badakhshan in northeastern Afghanistan through this route, traversing through Central Asia and reaching Europe. This ancient connection underscores the strategic importance of the region and the corridor.

Operational Details and Infrastructure

The Lapis Lazuli corridor connects Afghanistan through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to the Black Sea, ultimately through Turkey to the Mediterranean and Europe. Historically, this route has been pivotal for landlocked countries like Afghanistan, providing access to international markets via ports in the Caspian Sea. The corridor is particularly vital for enhancing economic development and trade opportunities in the region, especially for Afghanistan.

Geopolitical Significance and Goals

The project is part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and trade links in Central Asia and beyond. The Lapis Lazuli corridor, with its geopolitical significance, involves multiple countries and aims to foster collaboration in a region with complex political dynamics. Its objectives include reducing trade barriers, improving customs procedures, and enhancing overall regional connectivity. By providing a more efficient and direct route, the corridor aims to stimulate economic growth and regional cooperation.

Transit and Trade Cooperation

The Lapis Lazuli Corridor is a crucial transit and trade route, connecting Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. It is designed to be the most appropriate route for trade in Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and Central Europe, also facilitating connections between South Asia and European countries. For Afghanistan, this corridor serves as an alternative and the shortest, cheapest, and safest route to the aforementioned areas. The route begins from Aqina in northern Faryab province and Turqondi in western Herat province, continuing through Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, and Baku in Azerbaijan. From Baku, it connects to Tbilisi, Georgia, and ports like Polti and Batumi. The route then extends to Kars and Istanbul in Turkey, ultimately ending in Europe.

International Corridor Agreements

The Lapis Lazuli Corridor forms part of a broader network of transportation corridors in the Eurasian region, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This network aims to enhance connectivity and integrate various trade routes within the region. Additionally, the Ashgabat Agreement is a multinational transport agreement aimed at creating an international transport and transit corridor between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. This agreement involves countries like Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, facilitating the transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. The Ashgabat Agreement has been under consideration since 2016, with India potentially joining the agreement under the consent of the founding members.

Overall, the Lapis Lazuli Corridor is a vital component of the larger effort to enhance economic and political cooperation in Central Asia. Through the integration of infrastructure, efficient trade routes, and regional collaborations, this corridor is expected to play a significant role in driving economic growth and stability in the region.