Middle Corridor, TRIPP project take centre stage at Caspian Business Forum in New York PHOTO

The 6th Caspian Business Forum, organised by the Caspian Policy Centre, took place in New York under the theme “Connectivity, Finance, and Energy along the Middle Corridor”.

The event brought together regional and international policymakers, business leaders, and experts to discuss economic development and strategic opportunities in the Caspian region, according to local media.

Caspian Policy Centre Director Efgan Nifti delivered the opening speech, noting that recent developments in the region over the past two months deserve particular attention. He highlighted the initialling of the long-awaited peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, progress in the development of the Middle Corridor, the involvement of multiple international donors, and an increase in investment activity.

“The agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the support of the United States is not only a breakthrough in achieving political stability, but also marks a new era in economic relations,” Nifti said. He emphasised that the launch of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity — also known as the Zangezur Corridor — will make the South Caucasus more integrated than ever before.

Senior Advisor to the US Deputy Secretary of State, Caleb Orr, addressed the strategic significance of the Caspian region, noting that it encompasses the South Caucasus and Central Asia and is of high importance to US political strategy. He stressed that the region is a critical area for investment and development from the perspective of US foreign policy.

Following this, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, read out President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the forum participants.

Conor Coleman, representing the US International Development Finance Corporation, also spoke at the event. He underscored the strategic importance of the Caspian region from a foreign policy standpoint and highlighted investment opportunities, particularly in the energy sector and environmental infrastructure. Coleman detailed the organisation’s priorities and the prospects for further cooperation with regional partners.

Öztürk Selvitop, Director General for External Relations at the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, addressed regional projects implemented jointly by Türkiye and Azerbaijan. He emphasised the growing potential of the Caspian region as a hub for strategic economic activity.

Magzum Mirzagaliyev, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, highlighted the strategic significance of developing logistics and transport networks in the Eurasian region. He stressed Kazakhstan’s intent to leverage all opportunities in this area, noting the country’s aim to collaborate closely with American companies on joint projects.

According to Mirzagaliyev, the Middle Corridor is rapidly becoming one of the main international trade routes, and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity opens new possibilities for regional cooperation.

The forum concluded with panel discussions and a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to explore issues of connectivity, finance, and energy along the Middle Corridor in greater detail.

By Tamilla Hasanova