Zerkalo Central Asia, part of Zerkalo Analytics Group, has begun implementing a regional private sector study under a contract with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Following the development and testing of the research tools, the project is now moving into its main fieldwork phase.
A transport corridor becomes a functioning economic route not simply when it appears on a map, but when companies can move goods through it regularly, efficiently and predictably.
Businesses see first-hand how long border crossings take, where delays occur, how transparent tariffs are, how ports and transport operators perform, and which procedures increase the cost of transportation. For this reason, the performance of the Trans-Caspian Trade Corridor cannot be properly assessed without systematically examining the experience of its direct users.
As part of the study, the Zerkalo Analytics Group team will collect feedback from representatives of approximately 200 companies in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Participants will include logistics and transport companies, freight forwarders, exporters, importers, manufacturers and trading companies with experience in international freight transportation.
The study will focus particularly on the challenges affecting three critical business indicators: transportation costs, delivery times and operational risks. Companies will be invited to assess border and customs procedures, ports, transport operators, road and railway infrastructure, and to identify the changes that would have the greatest practical impact.
Before the start of the main data collection phase, the project team developed the research methodology, adapted the questionnaire for different categories of companies and tested it across all four countries. Country teams are now beginning the main fieldwork.
The findings will help identify the most significant operational and regulatory barriers, priority areas for reform, and opportunities to improve the corridor’s efficiency and strengthen private sector participation.
Invitation to participate
Companies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan that have experience using the Trans-Caspian Corridor or related international freight routes are invited to express their interest in participating in the study.
To apply, please send brief information about your company and the relevant contact person to research@zerkalo.group with the subject line “Participation in the TCTC Survey.”
Applications will be accepted until 15 August 2026, inclusive.
