Abstract
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Central Asian republics are strengthening economic and diplomatic ties, evidenced by increased bilateral relations, ministerial gatherings, and a 2023 GCC-C5 summit with a follow-up planned for 2025. Despite currently low trade volumes, both regions aim to expand trade and investment, particularly as they diversify their economies. A key challenge is transportation, with three potential land routes: the North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC) via Iran, the Development Road Project (DRP) through Iraq and Turkey, and the Trans-Afghan Corridor. While the NSTC via Iran is currently operational and the most cost-effective, US sanctions pose a challenge. The DRP and Trans-Afghan Corridor offer alternatives but face their own hurdles, including geopolitical issues, security concerns, and funding needs. This transit corridor competition is expected to improve connectivity options between the GCC and Central Asia, mitigating risks associated with reliance on a single route.