From May 19 to 29, 2026, the CAREC Federation of International Logistics and Commerce Associations (CFILCA), together with the Taizhou Logistics Association and the WIFFA International Freight Forwarders Association, organized a 10-day logistics and business mission to Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The delegation brought together representatives from 20 Chinese logistics, shipping, freight forwarding and supply chain companies.
Under the theme “Connecting Regional Logistics Resources and Advancing Cross-Border Supply Chain Cooperation,” the mission leveraged CFILCA’s network across the 11 CAREC countries to connect Chinese enterprises with local industry associations, logistics operators and infrastructure providers, and to explore opportunities for cross-border logistics and supply chain cooperation.
In Uzbekistan, the delegation was hosted by CFILCA member Uzbekistan International Freight Forwarders Association (UIFA) and visited First Dry Port Terminal (FDP) in Tashkent.
The delegation also visited the Tashkent overseas warehouse of Xinjiang Wulian Euro-Asia International Logistics Co., Ltd. and held business discussions with Centrum Holding, covering cross-border logistics, multimodal transport, air cargo, warehousing and trade facilitation.
The parties also exchanged views on potential NCD Convention pilot projects, laying a foundation for further cooperation.
In Georgia, CFILCA member Georgian International Road Carriers Association (GIRCA) coordinated the delegation’s programme.
The delegation visited Tbilisi Dry Port and held business-matching meetings with local logistics and freight companies.
Discussions focused on cross-border road transport, customs coordination and multimodal logistics, with several Chinese and Georgian companies establishing initial business contacts for future cooperation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), or Middle Corridor.
In Baku, the delegation visited Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and CFILCA member Azerbaijan International Road Carriers Association (ABADA).
The parties exchanged views on regional road transport networks, air cargo and multimodal transport corridor development. With demand for the Middle Corridor continuing to grow, participants identified significant potential for further cooperation between Chinese and Azerbaijani logistics companies.
In Kazakhstan, the delegation conducted visits in Aktau and Almaty.
In Aktau, accompanied by Semurg Invest, the delegation visited the Port of Kuryk, a key node of the TITR / Middle Corridor, and learned about its operations and multimodal connections with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Europe.
In Almaty, together with COSCO Shipping Lines Central Asia and CFILCA’s Kazakhstan Vice Chair organization, the Central Asian Logistics and Transport Association (CALTA), the delegation visited MEL TGL Terminal and FORT LLP.
The participants exchanged views on cross-border logistics corridors, regional transport cooperation and NCD Convention pilot projects, while the COSCO Shipping team provided an overview of Kazakhstan’s logistics market and investment environment.
Following the four-country mission, the delegation traveled from Almaty to Khorgos Port in China by international transit bus and experienced the cross-border customs clearance process firsthand.
The delegation also visited the warehouse of Xinjiang Zhonghangxing International Logistics Co., Ltd., extending the field study from Central Asia and the Caucasus to the Chinese border node and completing a full-chain review of the regional logistics corridor.
The mission achieved four major outcomes:
First, enhanced market understanding.
Chinese companies gained first-hand insights into logistics infrastructure, transport networks and market conditions across Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Second, new business cooperation channels.
The delegation established direct contacts with local associations, ports, logistics companies and supply chain service providers, creating opportunities for follow-up cooperation.
Third, progress on NCD Convention pilot cooperation.
Participants explored potential applications of the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents (NCD Convention) in regional cross-border transport and identified potential partners for future pilot projects.
Fourth, further progress on the CATA Trade and Logistics Documentation System (CATA TLDS).
CFILCA advanced discussions with potential partner companies and industry organizations on pilot and demonstration projects for the transferable land transport documentation system compatible with the NCD Convention.
The next stage will focus on selecting qualified pilot participants and establishing a cross-stakeholder working mechanism involving shippers, financial institutions and other relevant parties. The working group will address key issues including document recognition, transaction rules, applicable cargo types and transport routes, supporting the practical implementation of the pilot.
CFILCA will continue to leverage its network across the 11 CAREC countries and its role as a bridge between industry stakeholders to promote practical cooperation between China and Central Asia and the Caucasus in international logistics corridors, multimodal transport, trade facilitation and cross-border supply chains.
The Federation will continue to support Chinese enterprises in expanding into Eurasian markets and participating more effectively in regional and global supply chains.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan International Freight Forwarders Association (UIFA)
First Dry Port Terminal (FDP)
Xinjiang Wulian Euro-Asia International Logistics Co., Ltd.
Centrum Holding
Georgia
Georgian International Road Carriers Association (GIRCA)
Tbilisi Dry Port
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)
Azerbaijan International Road Carriers Association (ABADA)
Kazakhstan
Semurg Invest
Port of Kuryk
COSCO Shipping Lines Central Asia
Central Asian Logistics and Transport Association (CALTA)
MEL TGL Terminal
FORT LLP
China – Xinjiang
Xinjiang Zhonghangxing International Logistics Co., Ltd.
CFILCA extends its sincere appreciation to all associations, enterprises and partner organizations for their support and hospitality throughout the mission, and to all participating members and industry partners for their active contribution.
