Azerbaijan, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is solidifying its role as a vital international transport hub through significant infrastructure investments and active participation in international collaborations. Recognizing the evolving demands of global trade and logistics, the nation is undertaking ambitious projects to enhance its transport networks and capitalize on its advantageous geographical position.
Azerbaijan has long served as a bridge between East and West, facilitating trade across the regions. The country is actively engaged in multilateral initiatives to modernize and expand its transport sector. Key projects, such as the “Action Plan for 2024-2026 on Increasing the Transit Potential of International Transport Corridors” and the State Program for 2025-2030 focused on Baku’s transport infrastructure, demonstrate this commitment. Agreements like the one with Russia on developing transit cargo transportation along the North-South International Transport Corridor further underscore Azerbaijan’s dedication to enhancing its transport capabilities.
Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, recently emphasized the importance of regional cooperation at the Caspian Economic Forum. He highlighted the growth in trade turnover with Caspian countries and the significance of the 2018 Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation between Caspian littoral states. Asadov stressed Azerbaijan’s commitment to transforming the region into a major international transport hub, noting substantial investments in modernizing transport infrastructure to enhance the capacity of “East-West” and “North-South” corridors. He also called for unified action to address environmental challenges, particularly the shrinking water levels of the Caspian Sea, and highlighted the importance of green energy and digital technologies.
Azerbaijan’s involvement in several high-impact transport projects underscores its commitment to global trade. The North-South International Transport Corridor (NSTC), linking Southeast Asia with Russia and Northern Europe, has seen significant growth in cargo transport due to infrastructure improvements and simplified border crossings. The Ashgabat Transit Agreement further strengthens Azerbaijan’s position by creating a framework for transport cooperation in the Caspian region. The Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) initiative provides a vital trade link between Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Azerbaijan’s participation in the Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation of the Caspian Littoral States reinforces regional economic and transport ties.
Membership in international organizations, including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and its observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), provides Azerbaijan with platforms to collaborate on transport, trade, and infrastructure development, including digital transport corridors.
Through strategic infrastructure investments, active participation in international collaborations, and a focus on sustainable development, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a central player in the evolving landscape of international trade and logistics.
