An international conference on “The Role of Ports in Regional Connectivity and Strategic Cooperation” has been held in Baku within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), APA-Economics reports.
Organized by the Baku International Sea Trade Port of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), one of the companies of AZCON Holding, the conference brought together port executives and representatives of the transport and logistics sector from various Asian countries, creating an important platform for developing transport and logistics links in the region, strengthening cooperation between ports and exchanging experience.
Speaking at the opening of the event, ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov said that Azerbaijan’s strategic position connecting Europe and Asia strengthens the country’s regional transport and logistics role, while the integration of Baku Port into ADY, as well as sustainable infrastructure projects, increases the efficiency of freight transportation and transit opportunities:
“This approach eliminates barriers between rail and maritime transport and increases operational efficiency – shortening coordination processes, strengthening coordination and ensuring faster movement of cargo. We are currently working seriously on expanding container handling capacity. As you know, Baku Port’s annual container handling capacity was designed for 100,000 TEU. Last year, following the merger, we increased this figure to 150,000 TEU through operational efficiency, and by the end of this year it will reach 200,000 TEU. Our goal is to increase the handling capacity to approximately 300,000 TEU by the end of 2027. This will also make an additional contribution to the overall capacity of the Middle Corridor.”
The chairman added that the decline in the water level of the Caspian Sea and challenges facing global trade routes increase the importance of regional cooperation, and the CICA conference of port executives is an important platform for developing joint solutions to these challenges.
CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay, who also spoke at the event, noted the importance of the role of ports in increasing the efficiency of operations along the Middle Corridor and emphasized the importance of organizing such events in terms of deepening cooperation.
The conference continued with two separate sessions titled “Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships” and “The Importance of Ports and Multimodal Connectivity,” as well as a roundtable.
Within the framework of the sessions, issues related to regional cooperation and sustainable partnerships, the efficient organization of freight flows, as well as the integration of maritime, rail and road transport were discussed.
Along with the role of ports in developing regional connectivity, the event featured an exchange of views on strengthening the transport opportunities of landlocked countries through the Middle Corridor, the existing potential of ports and prospects for the development of freight flows in Asia. It was noted that Baku Port is currently receiving broader attention as an important link for regional freight operations. Last year, record results were achieved at the port, with 107,000 TEU of containers and more than 8 million tonnes of cargo handled. This, in turn, provides new opportunities for international freight operations.
Bilateral business meetings were also held between the port authorities of CICA member states, and strategic discussions were conducted on developing cooperation between the ports. As a result of the meetings, a joint Final Document was adopted.
On the second day of the conference, participants will visit Baku International Sea Trade Port to familiarize themselves with the port’s General Cargo, Ferry and Ro-Ro terminals, as well as attend presentations on the implementation of the port’s digital systems.
The international conference on “The Role of Ports in Regional Connectivity and Strategic Cooperation” will further strengthen the role of Baku Port in developing inter-port cooperation and transport and logistics links in the Asian region.
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