Uzbekistan plans more Caspian freight capacity, Zangazur Corridor investment

Uzbekistan plans to invest in expanding transport capacity along the Middle Corridor, including the Zangazur Corridor, Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov said at the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026).

Kudratov said Uzbekistan was actively diversifying its transport routes, with the Middle Corridor emerging as one of the most attractive options.

“Over the past two to three years, we have doubled the volume of goods transported through Azerbaijan and continue to expand it this year. We are observing positive growth of around 30%, and we are currently working on developing new capacities for freight transport across the Caspian Sea,” the minister said.

He said the plans included expanding ferry services across the Caspian Sea as well as investing in the Zangazur Corridor, including its Azerbaijani segment.

“Thus, Uzbekistan is committed to developing and investing in additional capacities within the Middle Corridor,” Kudratov stated.

The minister also highlighted Uzbekistan’s focus on strengthening trade and economic ties between Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

“We have already reached $13 billion in trade volume between Central Asian nations and Azerbaijan. We have set a target to reach $20 billion in mutual trade by 2030,” he said.

According to Kudratov, the initiative extends beyond trade to include industrial partnerships and joint investment projects.

“For example, Uzbekistan has invested in Azerbaijan's textile and automotive industries, as well as several other sectors. Similarly, Azerbaijan is investing in Uzbekistan across various fields, including mining, real estate, and energy,” the minister noted.

Kudratov added that the two sides were working toward establishing a unified market, economic and business space.

He also underscored the importance of energy security for Uzbekistan, saying the country was investing in diversifying its electricity sources.

“Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole possess immense potential for generating highly cost-effective solar and wind energy. We are currently discussing and developing joint projects in this domain with Azerbaijan,” the minister concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova