Uzbekistan's freight volumes along the Middle Corridor have doubled in five years, highlighting the growing importance of Azerbaijan and the Port of Baku as key links in its trade routes to Europe.
According to Uzbekistan's Foreign Ministry, cargo transported along the Middle Corridor reached 1.2 million tonnes in 2025, twice the volume recorded five years ago.
The route has also become increasingly important for Uzbekistan’s trade with the European Union. Its share of Uzbekistan’s EU-bound freight turnover has risen from 12 per cent in 2021 to 28 per cent.
Tashkent and Baku are seeking to strengthen transport connections between Central Asia, the South Caucasus and European markets.
The Uzbek Foreign Ministry outlined several priorities, including accelerating the launch of a joint Caspian Sea fleet, linking the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway to the Middle Corridor and expanding digital transport systems.
Digital tools, including e-Permit, e-CMR and eTIR, are expected to streamline freight operations and make cross-border trade more efficient.
The Middle Corridor is also central to expanding economic ties between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Bilateral trade has tripled over the past five years, with both countries aiming to increase trade turnover to $1 billion by 2030.
A joint investment company with $500 million in capital is also operating between the two countries.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified the Middle Corridor as a key route connecting the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Subir Lall, deputy director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, said stronger regional transport networks depend not only on physical infrastructure but also on what he described as “soft infrastructure”.
Lall warned that even well-developed roads and transport links can be held back by lengthy customs procedures and border clearance requirements.
He called for greater coordination of regulations and procedures among countries along the route to reduce delays, improve efficiency and ensure the economic benefits of regional connectivity are more widely shared.
Uzbekistan also pointed to Azerbaijan’s participation in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia as a step towards creating a more integrated transport network across Eurasia.
Elon Musk was not on the ballot in Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections, but he emerged as one of the biggest losers after Democrats swept to vic...
Uzbekistan has launched 145 investment projects worth $7.8 billion in its Bukhara region, aiming to create more than 14,000 jobs, boost industrial ...
Kazakhstan plans to manufacture 494 types of medicines through eight major investment projects worth a combined $862 million, Health Minister Akmar...
From international reporting and investigative documentaries to global forums and digital innovation, AnewZ marks two years of connecting Azerbaijan and the wider world.
Democrats captured majorities in both chambers of Congress on Tuesday, scoring sweeping victories that reached into Republican strongholds, with millions of voters delivering a strong rebuke to President Donald Trump.
Democrat wins surged on Tuesday across the United States with stunning victories in the South Carolina, Texas and Ohio senate races -- traditionally Republican strongholds -- in the 3 November midterm elections.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington will end its annual financial and military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, under an agreement he claims to have reached with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Uzbekistan has launched 145 investment projects worth $7.8 billion in its Bukhara region, aiming to create more than 14,000 jobs, boost industrial production and exports, and drive economic growth beyond the capital, Tashkent.
Iran and the United States remains far from a deal to end the conflict as tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz. Following Republican losses in U.S. midterm elections, Tehran says Americans have rejected the war, while Qatar intensifies mediation efforts to prevent renewed escalation.
A century-old collection of postcards is bringing the human stories behind Azerbaijan's oil boom to life in a new documentary produced by AnewZ in partnership with the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).
A new book examining Azerbaijan’s military strategy, technology and operations during the Garabagh wars has been unveiled in Baku, offering insights into the country’s victories and lessons for modern warfare.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment