BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has invested more than $1.5 billion in Azerbaijan’s transport projects, underscoring the country’s strategic role in connecting economies across Eurasia, said ADB Country Director in Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal in an exclusive interview with Trend.
Emphasizing Azerbaijan’s position as a vital transit hub, she stated: "We recognize the strategic importance of Azerbaijan given its location at the crossroads of the East-West and North-South transport corridors. In fact, Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in connecting the People’s Republic of China and the economies of Central Asia and the Caucasus with Europe".
Many of the ADB-supported projects in Azerbaijan, Durrani-Jamal explained, are "actually part of a broader regional connectivity network". A key component of this network is the CAREC Corridor 2, known as the Middle Corridor, which integrates road, rail, and sea routes across the Caspian and Black Seas, facilitating containerized transit traffic between Asia and Europe. "ADB is ready to work with the government of Azerbaijan and other neighboring countries to increase the operational efficiency of regional transport corridors," she noted.
Durrani-Jamal pointed to ADB’s solid experience in developing complex multimodal transport infrastructure across Asia over the past five decades. "We have solid credentials in developing complex multi-modal transport infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific," she said, citing a range of projects, including "bridges, railways, urban metros, roads, airports, and ports".
"Our approach to regional infrastructure development has of course evolved based on our experience," she continued, explaining that ADB is now focusing on creating "integrated transport networks, including regional networks, that use intelligent data and tracking systems" to streamline customs clearance and improve asset management.
Durrani-Jamal highlighted specific projects that demonstrate ADB’s commitment, such as the $131.5 million additional loan approved in September for Azerbaijan’s Railway Sector Development Program. Alongside this, "the government and ADB have also invested $47 million for the Azerbaijan Railways Digital Transformation Project," she said, aimed at "improving operational efficiencies and cross-border tracking of goods".
ADB looks to enhance cybersecurity and digital skills within Azerbaijan Railways as well. "ADB is also planning to provide a grant for technical assistance to enhance the cybersecurity of railway operations while building digital skills of its workforce," Durrani-Jamal added.