Middle Corridor

European Commission to discuss Middle Corridor investment on November 17
The meeting will focus on Trans-Caspian transport competitiveness and investment barriers. The event programme does not announce new funding.

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan agree on a new Caspian ferry system
AZCON and Samruk-Kazyna signed a Caspian Bridge cooperation agreement, alongside terms for a new intermodal cargo terminal at the Port of Baku.

IMF: Middle Corridor Key to Caucasus and Central Asia Connectivity
IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department Deputy Director Subir Lall highlighted the importance of the Middle Corridor for regional transport connectivity, stressing the need to develop both infrastructure and regulation.

Aliyev Discusses Belt and Road Initiative with Chinese Foreign Minister
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasized the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative and noted the dynamic development of the Middle Corridor.

Azerbaijan and Czech Republic Agree to Expand Transport Cooperation
The transport ministers of Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic discussed expanding transport links, increasing international freight traffic and promoting the Middle Corridor.

Kirill Patyrykin: When geopolitics rewrites marine insurance
In an interview with JLP Décryptage, Kirill Patyrykin examines war-risk pricing, trade disruption, the Middle Corridor and human judgement in underwriting.

Georgia to Invest $7 Billion in Transport Infrastructure by 2032
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced plans to invest $7 billion in transport development by 2032, with railway modernization as a key priority.

EU Commissioner Kos and Erdogan to Open Halkali–Kapikule Railway
Tomorrow, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos will visit Edirne to attend the opening of the Cerkezkoy–Kapikule section of the Halkali–Kapikule railway. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also take part in the ceremony.

Aliyev: Transport is a Key Area of Cooperation Between Central Asia and Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the Consultative Meeting in Turkmenbashi, identified transport as one of the main areas of cooperation with Central Asia and noted growing cargo traffic across the Caspian Sea.

Tokayev Proposes Discussing Integration of Middle Corridor with TRIPP
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the Consultative Meeting in Avaza, proposed expert-level discussions on integrating the Middle Corridor with the TRIPP transport initiative.

IFC Proposes Private Sector Advisory Council for Middle Corridor
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) says establishing a Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) could enhance the efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

Bayramov: Middle Corridor Strengthens East-West Ties
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister said the Middle Corridor is playing a growing role in international trade at a meeting of Central Asian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in Turkmenistan.

Middle Corridor to Reach 5.5 Million Tonnes of Freight Traffic in 2026
According to forecasts from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, total transit freight traffic will exceed 16 million tonnes, with 5.5 million tonnes attributable to the Middle Corridor.

Alasania: South Caucasus and Caspian Need Concrete Projects, Not Discussions
Former Georgian Ambassador to the UN Irakli Alasania said at the CAMCA-2026 forum in Baku that the region has the infrastructure and political will for integration, but it is time to move to implementing concrete programs.

Georgia to Invest 890 Million Lari in Middle Corridor Railway
Georgia plans to allocate 890 million lari ($341.9 million) to develop the railway infrastructure of the Middle Corridor in 2027–2030. The project includes the purchase of 45 freight electric locomotives and 10 passenger electric trains.

Expert: Coordination, Not Infrastructure, Is Key for the Middle Corridor
Farrukh Irnazarov of Chemonics International said developing the Middle Corridor requires harmonized legislation, digitalization and a single operator, not just infrastructure.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Explore Construction of Ferries for 120 Railcars
The parties are considering a project for new ferries capable of carrying two trains simultaneously, which should speed up delivery along the Middle Corridor.

Kazakhstan Expects Eight New Container Ships by 2028
Kazakhstan plans to add eight vessels to its container shipping fleet by 2028, according to Kasym Tlepov, deputy chairman of the Committee for Railway and Water Transport at the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan.

Combined GDP of Turkic States Organization Reaches $2.4 Trillion
OTG Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev told the CAMCA 2026 forum in Baku that the organization's combined GDP stands at $2.4 trillion, highlighting the development of the Middle Corridor.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia Discuss Simplified Customs Procedures on Middle Corridor
The 5th meeting of the Trilateral Customs Commission was held in Goygol District. The parties signed a protocol on agreements.

Zangezur Corridor 95% Complete by Road, 75% by Rail
Azerbaijan has completed 95% of the road and 75% of the railway for the Zangezur Corridor. Work is expected to finish in the first half of 2027.

Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum kicks off in Baku on September 25
The forum will take place on September 25–26 under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev. It is organized by the Ministry of Economy and AZPROMO. Documents are expected to be signed across several sectors.

Surety Marine Assesses Insurance Opportunities on the Middle Corridor
International insurance company Surety Marine is evaluating opportunities to cooperate with Azerbaijani insurers, brokers and logistics operators on the Middle Corridor. Company head Kirill Patyrykin noted a sharp rise in war risk rates — from 0.1–0.2% to more than 20% per year.

USACC Discusses Middle Corridor Development with World Bank
The American-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce held a roundtable with World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus Rolande Pryce. Participants discussed investment and operational measures to improve the route's reliability and capacity.