L’Italia e lo snodo dei trasporti centroasiatico: prospettive ed interessi

Abstract

Given its strategic geographic location at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy aspires to establish itself as a logistical and infrastructural hub bridging Europe and Asia. In light of the geopolitical shifts resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the need to develop alternative trade corridors that bypass Russian territory has become a strategic priority for both the European Union and Italy. Within this framework, the transport corridors crossing Central Asian republics offer a promising opportunity for infrastructural diversification. Italy and its national ports are well-positioned to play a central role in this process. This article examines Italy’s involvement in the promotion and implementation of intermodal transport corridors across Central Asia—such as the Middle Corridor and the Lapis Lazuli Corridor—in coordination with the Caspian Sea ports of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. Particular attention is given to the emerging opportunities for Italian companies in the fields of import/export, infrastructure investment, and the broader enhancement of trade and bilateral relations between Italy and the Central Asian region.