BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 1. At an international
conference in Greece's Patras dedicated to transport links between
the Balkan and Black Sea regions, attended by Azerbaijan, the
Middle Corridor was presented as a strategic transport route,
Trend reports, citing
the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.
According to information, Alish Ismayilov, an analyst at the
International Transport Forum (ITF) under the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and a representative of
the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport seconded to the
ITF, addressed the session held during the conference.
In his speech, Alish Ismayilov noted that in recent years,
global supply chains have faced serious challenges, resulting in a
significant increase in the importance of alternative and
sustainable transport routes between Europe and Asia. In this
context, the Middle Corridor is emerging as a strategic,
cost-effective, and sustainable route connecting Europe and
Asia.
In addition, it was emphasized that strengthening international
connectivity was one of the key priorities of Azerbaijan’s
presidency of the ITF in 2025–2026. The topic of the Middle
Corridor holds a special place on the organization’s agenda, and
discussions on this issue are expected to continue in the
future.
The report also referenced the report “Realizing the Potential
of the Middle Corridor,” prepared by the OECD and the ITF. The
report identified strengthening regional economic integration,
simplifying border and transit procedures, increasing investment in
port and railway infrastructure, and expanding cooperation between
the public and private sectors as key priorities.
In conclusion, it was noted that the ITF Work Program for
2026–2027 provides for new research on improving the efficiency and
digitalization of freight transport, and member states and partner
organizations were invited to collaborate.
