Investments in transport infrastructure along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) continue to expand within the framework of the European Union’s (EU) “Global Gateway” strategy. According to experts, these large-scale projects are of great importance not only for Central Asian countries, but also in terms of further strengthening Azerbaijan’s strategic position as a regional maritime and logistics hub.
Sea-news.az reports citing Avtosfer.az, that transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev stated this.
The expert noted that the new project for the reconstruction and expansion of a 41-kilometer section of the A-380 highway around the city of Nukus in Uzbekistan will be implemented within the framework of the EU’s “Global Gateway” initiative. The document was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
The A-380 highway is the main automobile corridor ensuring transport connectivity with Kazakhstan via Karakalpakstan and forming access to the Caspian Sea ports (Aktau and Kuryryk). The renewal of this route in accordance with international standards will significantly increase the speed, safety, and logistic reliability of cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian route.
Rauf Agamirzayev brought to attention that construction work on another strategic section of this highway has already been successfully carried out with the participation of an Azerbaijani company. Thus, “North West Construction” and Turkey’s “Polatyol Yapi” company constructed the first three sections of the A-380 road in the Kungrad-Daut-Ata direction within the framework of the CAREC Corridor 2 project. The construction work carried out with the financial support of the Asian Development Bank was completed in 2024.
This fact demonstrates that Azerbaijan acts not only as a transit maritime and land country along the Middle Corridor, but also as a competitive general contractor in international transport-infrastructure projects.
The expert emphasized that infrastructure projects implemented in each Central Asian segment of the Middle Corridor have a direct positive impact on the volume of ferry and container transport passing through the Baku International Sea Trade Port, “Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping” CJSC (ASCO), Azerbaijan Railways, and the Caspian Sea. The competitiveness of the corridor is ensured not only by port and shipping capabilities, but also by the integration of modern highways and railways complementing them.
In conclusion, the expert believes that the European Union’s new maritime and land infrastructure initiatives will turn the Central Asia section of the Middle Corridor into a faster and more competitive transport route, while further strengthening Azerbaijan’s position as the main logistics and transport hub of the Caspian region.
