Baku: The Zangezur corridor is set to become a pivotal component of the Middle Corridor, as highlighted by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, during a panel discussion at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Nabiyev emphasized the shifting global dynamics, noting a trend towards the Gulf countries, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. These regions are increasingly influential in global trade and technological development. In 2022, the global trade volume reached approximately 33 trillion US dollars, and the need for diversified transit routes became more pressing. Azerbaijan has been actively involved in infrastructure development and fostering cooperation among these regions to enhance connectivity between the East and the West.
Nabiyev further elaborated on the collaborative nature of the Middle Corridor, describing it as a union of neighboring countries with shared goals and mutual benefits. He highlighted the philosophy of interdependence, stressing that the success of each country is linked to the success of others. Azerbaijan has been focusing on coordinating infrastructure projects and optimizing their use. The Zangezur corridor, in particular, is seen as a significant addition to the Middle Corridor, capable of increasing freight traffic by approximately 15 million tons, especially under challenging weather conditions. The corridor was confirmed internationally during a bilateral meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reinforcing its importance in the region’s connectivity strategy.