New era in Azerbaijan-China trade: First export train leaves Baku for Xi'an PHOTO

Azerbaijan has sent its first-ever export cargo by rail to China, marking a significant milestone in the trade relations between the two countries. 

This event not only underscores the growing economic and transportation ties but also strengthens Azerbaijan’s strategic role in international freight transportation, Caliber.Az writes, referring to the press service of the state-run company Azerbaijan Railways (ADY).

The cargo, part of the Middle Corridor route, which facilitates not just transit and imports from China to Azerbaijan, but also now exports to China, is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of this vital transport route. The development of the Middle Corridor continues to boost transport volumes, both in the East-West and West-East directions.

The ceremony for the departure of the first export train was attended by senior representatives from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan's railroads, leaders from the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route Secretariat, and executives from the Xi'an-Chanba International Port Management Committee of China.

The inaugural export block train, “Baku-Xi'an,” consists of 62 units of 40-foot containers, which will be delivered to Xi'an, China’s largest inland port, via Kazakhstan. As part of the project, the plan is to send 15,000 tons, or 600 containers, to China by the end of the year.

Arif Aghayev, ADY Vice-Chairman, emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that the initiative will elevate Azerbaijan’s export potential and strengthen its position in the global trade network. 

"Today's event holds immense significance for East-West cargo transportation. Local entrepreneurs can now directly send their goods to China via the Middle Corridor. ADY is actively involved in several crucial projects aimed at transforming Azerbaijan into an international transport and logistics hub," Aghayev said.

Ziya Aghayev, Chairman of the Absheron Logistics Center Council, added that this milestone will solidify Azerbaijan's status as a key transit country and open up new opportunities for local manufacturers.

"Today, we are exporting Azerbaijani-made goods to China via the Middle Corridor in block containers. This project will not only foster the local economy but also attract more foreign investors to the country," he stated.

Regular export shipments to China will open new opportunities for increasing transport volumes and revenue, benefiting ADY, the Absheron Logistics Center, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASMP). This collaboration is a prime example of effective public-private partnership and demonstrates the seamless operation of the Middle Corridor’s main operators in Azerbaijan.

Previously, these export goods were sent via Black Sea ports in Georgia, but now, alongside these operations, Azerbaijan’s ports will be used for direct shipments to China, creating new logistical solutions.

Since the beginning of 2024, 280 containers have been sent from China to Azerbaijan via block containers. By the end of the year, over 300 containers are expected to arrive, and the number of block containers is projected to triple in 2025, reaching 1,000 containers.

By Khagan Isayev