Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) Rovshan Rustamov is leading a delegation on a visit to China focused on expanding cooperation with major Chinese transport and logistics companies.
On July 7, Rustamov met with top officials from China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), including Vice President Fang Feng and Wang Qiaolin, Chairman of the Zhuzhou Locomotive Manufacturing Company, The Caspian Post reports via local media.
Rustamov emphasized Azerbaijan’s increasing role in the global transport and logistics network and stressed the importance of modernizing ADY’s locomotive fleet to ensure reliable freight services. Deepening ties with CRRC was identified as a key priority.
The discussions also revisited the April agreement for the purchase of seven new locomotives and plans to organize specialized training and technical workshops for ADY experts. The parties exchanged views on innovative technologies, production capacities, and operational best practices.
In another meeting, Rustamov and Wang Gui Chao, head of Lianyungang Port, underscored the vital role of their partnership in enhancing East-West connectivity, especially via the Middle Corridor.
The delegation highlighted strong growth in freight traffic between China and Azerbaijan, with 287 block trains arriving from China in 2024 and 199 trains in the first half of the year alone. The number is expected to exceed 400 by year-end. Establishing regular rail service along the Lianyungang-Baku route remains a strategic goal.
ADY representatives noted the recent integration of Baku International Sea Port into ADY’s organizational structure, which will streamline coordination between port and rail operations and improve logistics services for international partners.
The Baku port serves as a crucial hub connecting Asia and Europe, currently handling 15 million tons of cargo annually, including 150,000 TEU containers. Expansion plans aim to increase capacity to 25 million tons per year and 500,000 TEU containers.
Wang Gui Chao highlighted that Lianyungang Port also handles goods from Japan and Korea, expanding the route’s significance. He expressed confidence that cooperation with ADY will enhance transport links and strengthen the competitiveness of the Lianyungang-Baku corridor across Eurasia.
During talks with Yan Bin, President of China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT), Rustamov stressed the importance of CRCT joining the joint venture “Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd.,” formed by railways of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia to develop the Middle Corridor. CRCT’s participation is expected to improve regional logistics connectivity, boost corridor efficiency, and strengthen the roles of involved companies.
The meetings also addressed plans to increase freight volumes along the Middle Corridor, including deploying digital solutions to expand container shipments on the China-Azerbaijan route, optimizing logistics, and agreeing on an action plan for the second half of 2025. Integration of port and rail infrastructure was also discussed.
The ADY delegation’s visit to China will conclude on July 11.
