Azerbaijan Presents Its Strategic Role in the Middle Corridor in Berlin
Ambassador Nasimi Aghayev: “The Middle Corridor is a bridge of peace and economic development between Europe and Asia.”
Berlin, 23 October 2025 – At BVL Supply Chain CX 2025 in Berlin – Germany’s largest logistics conference – a high-level Ambassadors’ Talk was held on 23 October under the theme “New Routes – New Markets: The Middle Corridor as a Growth Engine for Economic Development in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.”
The panel, moderated by Mirco Nowak, CEO of the LUNO Group and Chair of the BVL Chapter Eurasia, brought together the ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, the deputy ambassador of Kazakhstan, as well as leading representatives of the European logistics industry. The discussion focused on the opportunities that the Middle Corridor offers for trade, infrastructure, and sustainable connectivity between Europe and Asia.
Aghayev: “The Middle Corridor stands for stability and integration”
In his address, Azerbaijani Ambassador Nasimi Aghayev emphasized the growing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor for global supply chains and geopolitical stability.
“The Middle Corridor is far more than a transit route – it is a symbol of stability, energy and transport security, and increasingly a driver of regional value creation and industrial development,” Aghayev said. “In times of global uncertainty, it offers a safe, conflict-free link between Europe and Asia.”
Aghayev recalled that Azerbaijan had been a founding member of the TRACECA initiative three decades ago, laying the foundation for today’s East-West transport links. Since then, the country has made major investments in its ports, railways, roads, and airports to transform the Middle Corridor into a modern, efficient, and sustainable economic artery.
In 2024, 14.5 million tons of transit cargo passed through Azerbaijan, more than four million tons of which were transported via the Middle Corridor. “Our goal is clear: higher volumes, shorter transit times, and greater efficiency,” the ambassador noted.
Industrialization and innovation along the route
Aghayev pointed to the growing industrialization taking place along the corridor. A recent example is a joint project between the Azerbaijani government, MAN Truck & Bus, and local partner Improtex to assemble and produce electric city buses in Azerbaijan – a milestone for sustainable value creation and German-Azerbaijani industrial cooperation.
In addition, a modern freight and logistics center with its own airport is being developed in Alat, south of Baku. The Port of Baku is currently being expanded to handle up to 25 million tons of cargo and 500,000 TEU per year.
Peace dividend and new regional connectivity
Aghayev also highlighted recent progress in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The initialing of a peace agreement in Washington DC marked a historic turning point, he said. Azerbaijan has lifted all transit restrictions with Armenia, and the first shipment – wheat from Kazakhstan to Armenia – has already been successfully completed.
“Peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia no longer exists only on paper, but also in practice,” Aghayev stated. “This new reality lays the foundation for open borders, economic cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects that will benefit the entire region.”
Digital infrastructure as a key to efficiency
Beyond physical investments, Azerbaijan is also driving forward digital integration along the trade route. The Digital Logistics Platform (DLP) connects ports, railways, terminals, and customs authorities in real time, improving transparency and reducing costs through electronic consignment notes and e-TIR systems.
Invitation to German business
In conclusion, Ambassador Aghayev invited German companies to play an active role in the further development of the corridor:
“We invite German companies to become part of this process – as technology partners, investors, and innovators. Together, we can make the Middle Corridor one of the most efficient, sustainable, and secure economic and mobility corridors in the world.”
