Media: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan plan to start joint production of ferries

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have announced plans to establish a joint production facility for ferries, aiming to enhance regional transport and connectivity.

The ferries produced through this collaboration will primarily serve Uzbekistan's transportation needs, with an initial project financing estimated at $150 million, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In addition to the joint ferry production, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are exploring several other initiatives to expand bilateral cooperation in the transport and transit sectors. This includes the joint construction of storage infrastructure and the establishment of a joint venture focused on developing transportation along the Trans-Caspian route, among other potential projects.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the transport links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, leveraging both countries' strategic geographic locations.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, is a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative and an important trade route that connects East and West. By enhancing the infrastructure and transport capabilities along this route, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are positioning themselves as crucial players in the global supply chain. The Middle Corridor offers a shorter and more direct route for goods travelling between China and Europe, bypassing longer and potentially more congested routes.

Joint projects like the ferry production and storage infrastructure development are vital for maximizing the potential of the Trans-Caspian route. These efforts not only facilitate trade between Asia and Europe but also enhance regional cooperation and stability. As countries like Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan continue to invest in these initiatives, they are likely to attract more international interest and investment, further solidifying their roles as key transit hubs in Eurasia.