OMSAN Logistics, the flagship of OYAK Companies in the logistics sector, held high-level contacts in China and the Asia-Pacific region. During the meetings where global balances were analysed with a focus on railway logistics, the delegation’s primary agenda was the Central Corridor, with Turkiye at its centre.

Drawing attention to the importance of this line in China-Europe transports, Ergun Arıburnu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OMSAN Logistics, said: “With the right infrastructure, strong integration and strategic cooperation, Turkiye can transform the Middle Corridor into the world’s most competitive trade line.”

Speeding up its activities in line with OYAK 2030 vision, OMSAN Logistics held high-level contacts in China and the Asia-Pacific region. The OMSAN delegation travelling to China under the leadership of Ergun Arıburnu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OMSAN Logistics, included Ahmet Tansık, General Manager, as well as senior executives planning the company’s overseas projects and growth strategies.

One of the most critical topics of the delegation in China was OMSAN’s strategic railway investments. Holding approximately 12& share in freight transport by rail in Turkiye, OMSAN Logistics also had the opportunity to examine 10 state-of-the-art locomotives purchased from CRRC (China Railway Vehicles Company), one of the world’s largest locomotive manufacturers.

Pointing out that the total investment of USD 40 million is one of the largest investments made at one time in the field of railway logistics in Turkiye, Mr. Arıburnu said, “We are expanding our railway investments with state-of-the-art technology products and at the same time we are making significant progress in minimising our carbon footprint. Our new locomotives are both environmentally friendly and twice as powerful.” Mr. Arıburnu and his delegation held meetings with Xu Liyun, General Manager of CRCT China-Europe Railway, one of the important institutions of China, and received information about the railways offering opportunities for Turkiye.

Chinese reality on the railway: Scale, Speed and Technology

Pointing out that the capacity and technology in the field of railway was remarkable during the examinations carried out in China, Mr. Arıburnu said the following about his impressions; “First of all, I think that the close interest and attention shown to us by our Chinese counterparts is a reflection of Turkiye’s rising reputation in the world. Indeed, the sincerity we have seen in the country, which is the production base of the world, has not only pleased us but also encouraged and increased our enthusiasm to do business. China Rolling Stock Corporation CRRC Dalian Region has produced 14,000 locomotives to date and is a world giant with an annual production capacity of 800 locomotives. It alone produces about 40% of the locomotives used in China. CRRC Shandong has an annual production capacity of 10,000 wagons and can produce 100 different types of freight wagons. Their produce entirely according to European standards. This table shows us that railway is no longer just a transport mode, but the backbone of global trade. China is redefining the rules of the game in this field not only with its production power but also with speed, efficiency and technology.”

Central Corridor: Strategic Leverage for Turkiye

One of the prominent topics on the delegation’s agenda was the Central Corridor, with Turkiye at its centre. It was assessed that this line currently has a share of approximately 1% in China-Europe transports but has the potential for rapid growth with the right investments and integration. The additional transport capacity of 12,000 block trains per year was also noted.

Mr. Arıburnu said: “This picture is not a weakness, but a giant opportunity. With the right infrastructure, strong integration and strategic cooperation, Turkiye can transform the Central Corridor into the world’s most competitive trade route.”

Türkiye: Global Logistics Hub, not a Transit Country

Emphasising that Turkiye’s role was particularly prominent in the Asia-Pacific contacts, Mr. Arıburnu stated that the railway-port integration would be decisive. China-Turkiye-Europe block train transports, multimodal lines extending to North Africa via Turkiye and new generation port investments are strengthening Turkiye’s claim to be a hub country in the global logistics system.

Stating that “Turkiye is no longer just a transit country. It is becoming a centre that manages and organises logistics and generates added value. This transformation is the most tangible counterpart of OYAK 2030 vision in the field,” Mr. Arıburnu emphasised that OMSAN will play an active role in this new order.

A New Era: Integrated, Digital and Global Logistics

Pointing out that OMSAN’s Asia-Pacific expansion is not only a geographical expansion but also a strategic transformational move, Mr. Arıburnu concluded his words as follows:

“Logistics is no longer just transport; it is a system that is managed with data, optimised with technology and creates value across geographies. As OMSAN, we aim to be at the centre of this system, not a part of it. The world is changing. The route of trade is being redrawn. In this new map, the strong ones will not only be those who produce, but also those who manage the flow.”