Rotas Consulting: Multimodal nature remains key challenge for Middle Corridor

One of the primary obstacles to the development of the Middle Corridor and the broader regional trade and transport network continues to be its multimodal structure, which includes differing railway systems, technical transitions, and procedural barriers.

Emil Majidov, managing partner of Rotas Consulting, made the observation while speaking on the third day of Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW2025), according to domestic media.

At the same time, Majidov stressed that these challenges also bring opportunities to position the region as a major transit hub. He highlighted that historically, Central Asia and the Caucasus were central to global trade until European advancements in shipbuilding and maritime navigation shifted trade flows toward sea routes.

“If it has already happened once, then success can be repeated. But one of the obvious challenges for the Middle Corridor is its multimodal nature. Different railway standards are in force in the region: Soviet, Turkish, and Iranian. Therefore, solutions need to be found to make the transition from one system to another smoother,” Majidov noted.

He also pointed out Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in driving this transformation. The country has constructed the largest port on the Caspian Sea, introduced modern railcars, actively pursued electrification, and developed terminals to standardise cargo flows.

“We understand that if we want to bring transit back to the region, we need to ensure the fast and unhindered movement of cargo. This is not only about physical infrastructure but also coordinated procedures, legislation, and digital solutions, which should become the obvious way forward,” he added.

Regarding the region’s prospects, Majidov emphasised the unique importance of the Caspian Sea, where the limited number of ports makes it easier to establish uniform standards.

“Unlike the open sea, where rules have to be agreed with the whole world, in the Caspian Sea, agreements between several countries are sufficient. This makes it possible to be ambitious in the ‘green’ agenda. The future of the region lies in creating a sustainable standard, attracting investment, and developing a unique business model. I believe that countries such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan can do this quickly, as most of the cargo passes through them,” the expert concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova