BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 11. Azerbaijan
occupies one of the key strategic positions in the Middle Corridor
not only due to its geographical location, but also due to its
growing role in regional coordination, development of railway
connectivity, and promotion of stability in the South Caucasus, the
international consulting company PMCG told Trend.
The company noted that as an important transit country
connecting Central Asia with the South Caucasus and further with
Europe, Azerbaijan, together with Georgia, is a critical hub where
sea and rail transport between the Caspian and Black Seas
intersect.
In this context, an effective link between the port of Baku on
the Caspian Sea and the Georgian ports on the Black Sea, primarily
Batumi and Poti, is of particular strategic importance. These ports
serve as the main maritime gateways for cargo flows from the Middle
Corridor to European markets, complementing land routes such as the
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Recent positive developments in
relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia also improve the prospects
for long-term stability and transport connectivity in the South
Caucasus. Azerbaijan's constructive role in promoting regional
cooperation is an important factor in the sustainable development
of the Middle Corridor," PMCG noted.
The company stressed that close operational cooperation between
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye remains the cornerstone
of increasing capacity, synchronizing logistics operations, and
reducing transit times.
Increasing the capacity and security of the Middle Corridor
requires a focus on developing multimodal transport and further
modernizing infrastructure, especially between the Caspian and
Black Seas. Additional investment is required in the railway
infrastructure connecting Azerbaijan with Georgia's Black Sea
ports, as well as in the development of port infrastructure.
Equally important is greater private sector participation in rail
freight transport and the strengthening of corporate governance in
state-owned enterprises. Enhanced coordination between the
transport ministries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, supported
by digital platforms and unified procedures, will significantly
improve the corridor's efficiency," PMCG says.
In addition, it is noted that the Middle Corridor creates
significant opportunities for attracting foreign investment in port
infrastructure, railway logistics hubs, and value-added services in
supply chains.
"Growing international interest in supply chain diversification,
including U.S. initiatives in the field of critical minerals and EU
strategies for developing interconnectivity, further enhances
Azerbaijan's investment attractiveness. PMCG plans to support the
development of the Middle Corridor by conducting technical and
economic studies, promoting regulatory policy reforms, building
institutional capacity, and assisting in mobilizing international
financing. The company intends to promote closer regional
coordination and integrated planning between the Caspian and Black
Sea segments of the corridor," PMCG added.
