Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan may establish joint venture to enhance cargo transportation

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are planning to establish a joint venture aimed at enhancing cargo transportation.

This joint venture will specifically focus on improving transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), commonly referred to as the Middle Corridor, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

A number of specific measures are being explored to expand cooperation in transportation and transit between Baku and Tashkent. The sides are discussing establishing ferry production, developing warehouse infrastructure, and transitioning to e-document exchange.

Cargo transportation from Uzbekistan to Europe increased by 20 per cent in 2023, driven in part by the network of sea ports on the Caspian Sea, including Baku, Astara, Lankaran, and Sumgayit.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) is an integral component of the Belt and Road Initiative, established to create a direct transportation link from Asia to Europe. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route starts from Southeast Asia and China, runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and further to European countries. It aims to facilitate trade and economic cooperation by connecting major economic regions through a network of railways, highways, and maritime routes.

TITR has been operational since 2014, but it is experiencing significant growth in cargo traffic in 2023-2024. In 2023, approximately 2.7 million tons of cargo were transported through the route, with projections indicating that the corridor could facilitate the transportation of over 4.2 million tons in 2024.

By Naila Huseynova