Middle Corridor potential outweighs existing challenges, says Alliance Multimodal CEO

The Middle Corridor — a strategic transport route connecting Europe and Asia — faces certain challenges, but its potential significantly outweighs the existing problems, said the Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Multimodal, Natig Jafarov, at the conference “Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2025: corridors, cargos, infrastructure” in Baku.

“At present, we observe a number of limitations in the functioning of the Middle Corridor. These are insufficient ferry capacities, lengthy customs procedures, as well as higher transportation costs compared to traditional sea routes. However, the prospects for the development of this transport artery significantly outweigh the existing difficulties,” the expert stressed, according to local media.

According to Jafarov, in recent years, significant progress has been observed in the development of the corridor’s infrastructure: “New ships and terminals are being put into operation, coordination between the governments of the participating countries is improving, customs systems are actively being digitalised and moved online. But the most important factor of success is the growing demand from European and Asian partners. Thanks to the constant inflow of investments, the Middle Corridor is strengthening its position on the map of international transport routes every year.”

Jafarov especially emphasised that the Middle Corridor has demonstrated its resilience in periods of global crises, when traditional routes were under threat.

“The geographical position and infrastructure of Azerbaijan are at the center of the transformation of recent years. The key factor ensuring the work of the corridor is the partnership between countries and companies. The Middle Corridor is no longer just a concept. It is a reality that grows every year. Together we can make it not only a route of resilience, but also a route of opportunities for the coming years,” he said.

By Khagan Isayev