AIIF 2026 panel focuses on Middle Corridor, US-Azerbaijan partnership

A panel on the Middle Corridor was held in Baku as part of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026), focusing on the US-Azerbaijan partnership, the TRIPP initiative and new regional connectivity opportunities.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, the discussions covered the Middle Corridor’s role in expanding trade and investment and developing regional value chains, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Speaking at the event, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov outlined the development of the US-Azerbaijan partnership and the potential contribution of new regional connectivity opportunities to strengthening lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

The panel also addressed the development of the US-Azerbaijan strategic partnership, cooperation on energy and infrastructure projects, private-sector participation and investment opportunities.

Participants exchanged views on opportunities for US companies and investors in Azerbaijan, the development of strategic infrastructure and prospects for expanding regional energy connectivity.

Discussions also covered the development of the Middle Corridor as a sustainable East-West trade and logistics platform, strengthening Trans-Caspian connectivity and multimodal transport infrastructure, expanding railway, port and logistics capabilities, and deepening trade and investment ties between Central Asia, Azerbaijan and China.

Participants commented on financing infrastructure through public-private partnerships, multilateral financial institutions and private capital, as well as linking transit opportunities with production, processing and value-added activities. Regional industrial cooperation and integration into value chains were also highlighted.

They underscored the opportunities arising from Azerbaijan’s position as a strategic transit platform connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus and global markets, alongside efforts to link the country’s transport and logistics capabilities with production and regional value-chain development.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov