Chinese expert: Azerbaijan emerging as key logistics hub on Middle Corridor

In the current geopolitical landscape, the Middle Corridor is becoming a crucial element in ensuring both predictability and flexibility in supply chains linking Asia and Europe, Chinese transport and logistics expert Wanxu Dong told local media. Dong is the managing director of Beijing Cross-Eurasia International Logistics.

Since the beginning of 2025, more than 300 trains travelling from China to Europe have either arrived in Baku or passed through the Azerbaijani capital en route, he noted. According to Dong, the route serves regions that are less efficiently connected by the northern China-Europe railway corridor, including Romania and Bulgaria, and also caters to European companies seeking alternatives to the northern route.

“Azerbaijan plays a vital role as a hub and coordinator along the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe,” Dong said. He highlighted that in organising freight transport from Xi’an via Baku to Europe, his company received substantial support from Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), the Port of Baku, Alliance, and other partners.

Dong emphasised that cargo travelling along the Xi’an–Baku route is often transshipped in the Azerbaijani capital for onward delivery to neighbouring countries, reinforcing Baku’s role as a transport hub.

He expressed confidence that with the ongoing expansion of Alat port and development of its sorting and terminal infrastructure, Baku’s importance within the southern corridor will continue to grow. Additionally, he noted that Azerbaijan Railways, together with partners from Kazakhstan and Georgia, is actively working to enhance the stability of the Caspian–Caucasus–Black Sea segment.

Speaking on the development of the multimodal route, Dong said Baku not only facilitates connectivity with neighbouring countries but also stimulates exports to China from Azerbaijan and the wider region.

He highlighted that trade between Azerbaijan and China grew by 20.7% in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, he noted that further improvements are urgently needed in both “hard” infrastructure, such as ports and railway facilities, and “soft” infrastructure, including digitalisation along the corridor.

Dong expressed hope that customs authorities will strengthen cooperation and coordination to further facilitate trade.

He also shared plans by the port of Xi’an, in coordination with Kazakhstan Railways and the Port of Baku, to invest in the expansion of sorting and terminal capacities in Baku. According to Dong, Azerbaijan Railways is actively integrating operations with the Port of Baku to enhance port-rail interface management. Positive steps are already being taken by ADY and the Port of Baku to ensure efficient transport across the Caspian Sea.

In conclusion, Dong expressed confidence that the Middle Corridor will contribute to more stable and environmentally friendly supply chains between Asia and Europe. He stressed that, together with Azerbaijan and all partners, his company aims to ensure timely, transparent, and financially reliable deliveries, unlocking the route’s full potential by improving and optimising delivery times and costs.

By Tamilla Hasanova