Azerbaijan’s trade turnover has doubled over the past five years, Advisor to the Minister of Economy Huseyn Huseynov said during the panel discussion titled “Drivers of Regional Integration in IsDB Regions” held as part of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in Baku, APA reports.
“For Azerbaijan, regional integration is primarily an economic issue. Trade and investment reinforce one another. Trade creates opportunities for investment flows, while investments in infrastructure, logistics and digital connectivity facilitate the expansion of trade,” Huseynov said.
According to him, there is significant potential to increase trade and investment across Central Asia and the Caucasus region.
“Between 2020 and 2025, Azerbaijan’s total trade turnover doubled. As a result, the private sector strengthened, regional economic cooperation expanded, and it was once again proven that integration leads to economic growth,” the advisor emphasized.
Huseynov noted that Azerbaijan’s geographical location enables the country to play an important role in transport and logistics.
“Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and the Middle East. With access to the Caspian Sea and its position along major Eurasian trade routes, our country has substantial transit and logistics potential. The Baku International Sea Trade Port has already become one of the main logistics hubs of the Caspian basin and contributes to growing cargo transportation between East and West,” he said.
The advisor also highlighted the strategic importance of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway for the region.
“The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway provides a direct rail connection between Asia and Europe and significantly reduces cargo transit times. The Middle Corridor combines these opportunities and serves as a key route connecting Central Asia, the Caspian basin, Türkiye and European markets. Azerbaijan’s role as a major transit and logistics hub along this corridor is steadily increasing,” Huseynov stated.
He stressed that the energy sector remains one of the main pillars of Azerbaijan’s regional cooperation.
“For many years, oil and gas pipelines linking the Caspian basin with global markets have formed the foundation of Azerbaijan’s contribution to energy security. At present, we are expanding renewable energy projects and developing cross-border green energy initiatives, which are adding a new dimension to regional cooperation,” he added.
According to Huseynov, in addition to infrastructure projects, the modernization of customs systems, expansion of digital trade platforms and simplification of border procedures are also crucial for the success of regional integration.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
