BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 26. Rovshan
Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, part of AZCON
Holding, met with a delegation led by Charles Cormier,
Infrastructure Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at the
World Bank (WB), Trend reports via the company.
The meeting focused on the current state of cooperation with the
WB, the importance of expanding relations, and the bank’s
involvement in the 2nd phase of the Baku International Sea Trade
Port, including technical support and potential investments.
Rustamov noted that container shipments along the Middle
Corridor have increased recently, with cargo transport between
China and Azerbaijan showing a positive trend last year (2025).
Azerbaijan Railways received 392 block trains, marking a 37%
increase compared to the previous year. This growth was supported
by the company’s initiatives, including the involvement of China
Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT) in the joint venture
Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., which brings together railway
operators from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia to develop the
corridor.
The chairman highlighted a significant rise in container
transport, particularly along the Middle Corridor, noting that
cargo shipments in the China-Azerbaijan direction showed strong
growth in 2025. Last year, Azerbaijan Railways received 392 block
trains, marking a 37% increase compared to 2024. These results were
driven in part by the company’s initiatives, including the
participation of the Chinese company China Railway Container
Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT) in the Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd
joint venture, which brings together railway operators from
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia to further develop the
corridor.
He also highlighted the critical role of integrating the Baku
International Sea Port with Azerbaijan Railways to improve
international transport efficiency. Last year, the port handled a
record volume of more than 107,000 TEU of container cargo, a 40%
increase compared to 2024.
WB Regional Director Charles Cormier praised Azerbaijan
Railways’ efforts, highlighting the WB’s keen interest in deepening
cooperation. He noted that the company’s work on developing the
Middle Corridor creates new opportunities for future partnerships
and regional trade growth.
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