Uzbekistan eyes joint Caspian fleet with Azerbaijan, deputy minister says

Uzbekistan is planning to establish a joint fleet on the Caspian Sea and create a joint venture between Uztemiryulkargo JSC and the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) as part of efforts to strengthen regional transport links, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Khurram Teshabayev has stated.

He said these initiatives will improve the efficiency of multimodal transport, make supply chains more resilient, and reduce logistics costs for exporters, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He noted that Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are continuing to work together to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.

According to the deputy minister, the two sides are discussing additional support measures for Uzbek exporters, including discounted cargo transshipment rates, integrated tariff solutions, streamlined logistics procedures, and priority services for containerised and export cargo.

Teshabayev also highlighted the strategic importance of the Port of Baku for Uzbekistan's foreign trade.

"The Port of Baku already plays a pivotal role in providing Uzbek exports with access to international markets via the Middle Corridor and has become one of the region's strategically important logistics hubs for strengthening transit connectivity,” Teshabayev added.

The deputy minister stressed that they highly value the efficiency of its infrastructure for Uzbek exporters.

“In recent years, cargo volumes along this route have grown steadily, the range of exported goods has expanded, and cooperation between the transport and logistics operators of our two countries has continued to deepen," he explained.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov