Integration of TR61 Region to the middle corridor through the belt-road within the scope of international logistics

In international trade, alternative modes of transportation are needed to provide uninterrupted logistics services. Among these modes, railway transportation increases the efficiency of intermodal transportation networks in terms of cost and time. In the recent period when interest in railway transportation has increased, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by China has changed the perspective on railway transportation routes. It not only increased the capacity of existing railway corridors but also enabled the implementation of new railway corridors. One of these corridors is the railway transportation route where extends from China to Europe, referred to as the Middle Corridor, which Turkey is also on. This study addresses the connection of the TR61 Region, one of the commercial sub-regions of Turkey, to the Middle Corridor railway line. The impact of this route, which is a new alternative in terms of literature, on alternative transportation routes is examined. At this point, it is aimed to contribute to the literature and reveal the efficiency of alternative routes needed in international logistics. The general framework of the study consists of international logistics activities, transportation systems and BRI's transportation corridors. In this context, the commercial relations of the Middle Corridor countries and the foreign trade activity of the TR61 Region were investigated. By analyzing the trade statistics prepared by the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAIB), the existing routes used by the region in its trade activities with the Middle Corridor countries and the transportation costs on the proposed route were optimized with the linear programming model created. The model solution was provided using Excel Solver. Accordingly, there are significant differences between the results obtained and the current transportation costs. At the same time, transportation solutions that sector representatives were not familiar with in terms of the region foreign trade were also revealed. The results obtained within this scope are included in the findings and conclusion section.