BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position as an international transportation and logistics hub. Thanks to the development of the East–West and North–South international transport corridors, as well as the implementation of major infrastructure projects in recent years, the volume of transit cargo for the first seven months of 2026 exceeded 9.1 million metric tons, reaching a five-year high.
According to data from the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, this figure is 11.6% higher than during the same period last year. Specifically, the volume of transit freight traffic along the East–West route increased by 16.5%, and along the North–South route by 14.3%.
Furthermore, it is noted that these results demonstrate a significant strengthening of Azerbaijan’s strategic position and competitiveness amid changes in global trade routes, as well as thanks to reforms implemented in recent years in the areas of transportation and logistics, digitalization, infrastructure modernization, and the expansion of international cooperation. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s position and competitiveness within the Middle Corridor and the North–South Corridor have been significantly strengthened.
“This trend is a direct result of the reforms implemented in recent years in the transportation and logistics sectors. These include infrastructure modernization, improved operational efficiency through coordination among relevant agencies, digitalization, and expanded international cooperation. Changes in global trade routes have also played a role. Taken together, these factors have significantly strengthened Azerbaijan’s position and competitiveness on the Middle Corridor and North–South routes,” the statement says.
Transportation time is reduced, and competitiveness is enhanced.
In addition, it was emphasized that one of the most significant outcomes of the reforms implemented along the Middle Corridor is the acceleration of freight transport: “A few years ago, transport along the China-Europe route took 38–53 days, but now that time has been reduced to an average of 12 days. The introduction of electronic permit systems, digital solutions such as e-TIR and e-CMR, real-time cargo tracking, the streamlining of customs and border procedures, and the acceleration of information exchange between government agencies have significantly contributed to reducing transit times.
As part of this approach, Azerbaijan has implemented several large-scale projects: increasing the capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway to five million metric tons per year; modernizing border crossings; electrifying and upgrading the railway network; constructing and renovating highways; and developing airport infrastructure.
One of the key steps in this direction is the “Single Window” information system, a digital logistics platform created by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. This platform accelerates document processing, simplifies procedures, and creates a more flexible logistics ecosystem for businesses. The next phase involves integrating the platform with similar systems in partner countries along the Middle Corridor, which will further improve efficiency along the route.
At the same time, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, in collaboration with international partners, is working on the phased implementation of modern digital tools for transportation, such as the electronic consignment note systems “e-CMR,” “e-Permit,” and “e-CIM/SMGS.” The implementation of these tools will expand the use of paperless technologies in international transportation and ensure a more efficient exchange of transportation data among participants in international transport corridors.
Maritime transport capabilities are being strengthened.
In addition, it was noted that the efficient operation of the Caspian section is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor: “In recent years, measures taken to strengthen the Port of Alat and maritime transport infrastructure have created favorable conditions for the smooth and efficient transport of growing volumes of transit cargo.
In light of growing demand, the container throughput capacity of the Port of Alat has been increased from 100,000 TEU to 150,000 TEU, and the 7th bridge and a new-generation crane with a lifting capacity of 125 metric tons have been put into operation. Currently, the port’s annual throughput capacity stands at 15 million metric tons. Upon completion of the ongoing expansion project, these figures are expected to increase to 25 million metric tons and 500,000 TEU, respectively.
The high demand for the port is also confirmed by its performance metrics: last year, the Baku International Sea Trade Port handled more than 8.2 million metric tons of cargo and 107,000 TEU of containers.
“Alat's Development” Transportation and Logistics Center. Another important initiative is the construction of a cargo airport in Alata. The new airport will become part of a multimodal logistics complex that integrates the capabilities of maritime, rail, road, and air transport, which will improve cargo handling efficiency and expand the potential of the Middle Corridor.
At the same time, to meet the growing volume of cargo shipments across the Caspian Sea, construction of four cargo ships under the first international commercial order is continuing at the Baku Shipyard. In addition, on September 16, 2025, a contract was signed between Baku Shipyard LLC and the AD Ports Group for the construction of two container ships, each with a capacity of 780 TEU, intended for operation in the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, measures such as the project to build large-capacity ferries, the expansion of ro-ro transport, joint initiatives with the private sector, and the phased modernization of the fleet will further increase the throughput capacity of the Caspian Strait and strengthen the stability of cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor.
These measures are already yielding concrete results. For example, from January through July 2026, container traffic at the port of Alyat increased by 20% compared to the same period last year, reaching 72,370 TEU, while dry cargo transshipment grew by 82%, reaching 1.4 million metric tons.
Cooperation within the Middle Corridor is expanding.
The report notes that Azerbaijan is actively cooperating with its partner countries along the Middle Corridor to strengthen transportation links, streamline border crossing procedures, and expand digital information exchange: “The modernization of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line and the increase in its capacity, the signing of contracts for the procurement of new, modern passenger and freight cars, the strengthening of coordination among Caspian Sea ports, and joint projects implemented within the framework of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, further enhance the route’s reliability and competitiveness.
Azerbaijan is actively cooperating with all countries located along the Middle Corridor to synchronize the development of transport infrastructure and improve the efficiency of transportation along the route. To this end, several bilateral and multilateral roadmaps, agreements, and memorandums of understanding have been signed, aimed at coordinating joint infrastructure projects, developing transport links, and improving the efficiency of transport operations. Work is currently underway to draft a multilateral agreement, which will be an important step toward the future development and institutional strengthening of the Middle Corridor.”
Transportation infrastructure contributes to sustainable development.
“The observed growth in transit freight traffic not only drives the development of the transportation sector but also boosts value added and economic activity in the non-resource sector as a whole. At the same time, strengthening transit capacity reinforces Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner in global supply chains, increases its attractiveness to foreign investment, and further enhances the country’s geo-economic significance. “Azerbaijan’s development as a transit and logistics hub extends beyond the transportation sector and forms an important foundation for the diversification of the non-resource economy, the deepening of regional economic integration, and long-term sustainable economic growth,” the statement reads.
