The growing international interest in the Middle Corridor and the increase in cargo volumes along the route create new prospects for expanding Azerbaijan’s transport and logistics capabilities. In this process, the main focus should be directed not only to increasing transit cargo transportations, but also to developing logistics and production opportunities along the corridor.
Sea-news.az reports that transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev stated this in an interview with AZERTAC.
The expert noted that the share of various types of cargo in the cargo traffic structure along the Middle Corridor is increasing. Along with bulk cargo, oil products, fertilizers, and other goods, the expansion of container transportations in particular indicates the route’s growing role in international supply chains.
According to R. Agamirzayev, one of the main tasks facing Azerbaijan is to utilize the corridor’s opportunities not only for transit purposes, but also to generate additional economic value within the country.
“The formation of logistics centers, industrial enterprises, and production sites along the Middle Corridor is of particular importance. Such an approach can ensure that cargo does not merely pass through the territory of Azerbaijan, but is processed here, generating added value and bringing about new spheres of economic activity,” the expert noted.
He emphasized that the creation of industrial and technological parks and free economic zones in Azerbaijan forms significant opportunities in this regard. The production of various spare parts for the railway sector at the Zayam Technology Park is also an example of integrating local production with transport infrastructure.
According to the expert, new production enterprises being established in Aghdam and other territories can also contribute to expanding the cargo base along the Middle Corridor in the future.
“Locating production enterprises in areas close to transport corridors is also important from the standpoint of optimizing logistics costs. At the same time, these enterprises generate new cargo flows. Thus, railway and other transport infrastructure is utilized not only for transit, but also for developing domestic production and economic activity,” R. Agamirzayev stated.
The transport expert noted that Azerbaijan’s geographical location is one of the key advantages for the development of the Middle Corridor. The country’s position along routes connecting Europe and Asia allows for increased efficiency in transportations in terms of time and distance.
According to him, shortening transport times and lowering logistics costs can strengthen Azerbaijan’s competitiveness as both a transit and production hub.
R. Agamirzayev added that in the upcoming period, the development of the Middle Corridor should be approached comprehensively, and along with railways and highways, ports, logistics terminals, industrial parks, and production enterprises should be developed within a unified economic chain. This will create conditions for further strengthening Azerbaijan’s role in the regional transport and logistics system and increasing the economic efficiency derived from the corridor.
