Official: China acknowledges significance of Middle Corridor

Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of China in Azerbaijan Ding Tao has said that China considers the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, to be of significant importance.

Tao made these remarks during a press conference dedicated to the results of the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO member states, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

The diplomat highlighted that during a meeting in Astana on July 3, the leaders of China and Azerbaijan signed two significant documents. One document focuses on the development of the Middle Corridor, while the second document pertains to joint efforts in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.

Tao pointed out that since the beginning of 2024, over 100 trains have been transported from various Chinese cities to Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea, a figure nearly nine times higher than the previous year.

He added that currently, entrepreneurs from China and Azerbaijan are actively enhancing cooperation in infrastructure and striving to improve logistics efficiency.

He emphasised that China is committed to advancing the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and collaboratively ensuring the stability of the supply chain.

"The development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the field of green energy will be mutually beneficial for the two countries," emphasized Tao.

He added that green energy cooperation will be mutually beneficial as it aligns with Azerbaijan's energy transition requirements and meets the energy needs of China.

"The Garadagh solar power plant has already been commissioned with Chinese involvement, and Chinese companies are also participating in wind power projects," he stated.

Tao also highlighted the substantial potential for economic cooperation between the two countries in production and investment processes.

"Azerbaijan offers equal opportunities for business operations. The number of Chinese companies planning to invest in Azerbaijan is expected to rise," he added.

“Azerbaijan is an important partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and China supports Azerbaijan’s aspiration to enhance its status within the SCO,” noted Tao.

He added that Azerbaijan became a SCO partner in 2016 and holds a significant position within the organization. China supports Azerbaijan’s efforts to deepen its cooperation with the SCO and advocates for elevating its legal status within the organization.

“Over the past 23 years since its inception, the SCO has traversed a challenging path of development and has evolved into the largest regional entity. Upholding the Shanghai Spirit, characterized by principles of mutual respect, SCO member states have established a model of regional cooperation,” he concluded.

Tao recalled that during the recent meeting, Chinese leader Xi Jinping highlighted future areas of cooperation.

"He emphasized the importance of maintaining security through dialogue and cooperation, safeguarding the right to development, promoting inclusivity, preserving stability, and fostering economic development within the region," Tao added.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, is a multimodal transport route that connects China and Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus region. It serves as an alternative to traditional shipping routes through the Suez Canal and provides a shorter and more efficient pathway for freight transportation between Asia and Europe.

Overall, the TITR represents a significant initiative to enhance Eurasian trade and connectivity, contributing to economic growth and development across the participating countries.