With the right investments and measures to improve efficiency, trade flows along the Middle Corridor could triple by 2030, while transportation times could be halved, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov said, citing a 2023 World Bank assessment during his speech at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026) in Baku, APA-Economics reports.
Mikayil Jabbarov noted that it is important for investors to be confident that the conditions in place when they make their investments will remain stable. Azerbaijan's domestic political stability and policy continuity, relatively low public debt, significant financial buffers and predictable policies provide a strong foundation for investment.
According to him, geopolitical developments in the region are also strengthening these opportunities as connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus becomes a reality.
Mikayil Jabbarov said that clear rules for investment, protection of investments and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms are of fundamental importance. At the same time, work is underway to shorten the period between reaching agreements and their implementation.
The minister said that, for this purpose, a special commission headed by the Deputy Prime Minister is accelerating the implementation of strategic investment projects and ensuring coordination among government agencies.
Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized that despite being a geographically landlocked country, Azerbaijan has become an international transport hub as a result of long-term policies and sustained investment. The East-West and North-South corridors passing through the country currently operate in both directions.
The Baku International Sea Trade Port, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the shipyard and the Caspian cargo fleet were cited among the key elements of the Middle Corridor. According to Mikayil Jabbarov, a safe and reliable route has been created together with partner countries, freight volumes are increasing every year, and the existing potential is even greater.
Mikayil Jabbarov added that construction of Azerbaijan's infrastructure along the corridors has been completed, and the next stage will focus primarily on the quality of services. The goal is to ensure that routes passing through Azerbaijan are not only safe in the current geopolitical environment but also competitive in terms of cost and time.
To this end, investments are being made jointly with partner countries in digitalization and artificial intelligence-based solutions. Logistics terminals, digital services and the industries developing around them are creating additional opportunities for private investment.
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