Azerbaijan's capital Baku is set to become a key meeting point for global logistics and transport leaders as the Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2026 will take place from September 7 to 9.

The international conference and exhibition, titled “Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2026: Corridors, Infrastructure, Investments,” will focus on the future of regional transport corridors, infrastructure development and investment opportunities, The Caspian Post reports via Report.

Now in its fifth edition, the forum is expected to bring together more than 150 delegates representing over 100 companies from more than 20 countries.

A major focus will be the future of the Middle Corridor, which has emerged as an operational trade route connecting Asia and Europe.

Participants will examine how much cargo the route could handle in 2026-2027, expected delivery times and the investments needed to further increase its capacity.

Discussions will also cover emerging routes and geopolitical developments shaping regional connectivity, including the Zangezur route (TRIPP), the Trans-Afghan corridor and the Middle Corridor’s changing strategic role in international freight transportation.

China’s contribution to increasing the corridor’s capacity will also be a major topic.

Forum participants are expected to discuss infrastructure projects already underway or planned, the expansion of container trains and ways to secure sufficient return cargo to improve the efficiency of freight flows.

The forum will also examine Caspian Sea shipping and ferry transportation, including higher-capacity vessels, containerization, expanded Ro-Ro services and freight tariff trends.

Another key issue will be the modernization of port infrastructure through 2030.

Topics will include expanding berths, installing modern crane systems, carrying out dredging operations and improving connections between ports and inland regions.

Participants will also explore cargo flows between Asia and Europe, including opportunities for transporting energy resources, grain, fertilizers, metals, critical minerals and project cargo.

Digital transformation will be another major theme at the Baku forum.

Industry leaders will discuss unified data-sharing platforms, harmonized customs procedures and the expansion of electronic documentation across the transport corridor.

The role of international financial institutions and development banks in financing regional infrastructure will also come under discussion. Representatives are expected to examine projects and financing conditions involving institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and European Investment Bank.

The EU Global Gateway initiative and its investment package for the Trans-Caspian Transport Route will also be discussed, with attention to how announced investment plans can be converted into concrete infrastructure projects.

Organizers say Baku’s selection as the host city reflects its strategic position in the regional transport network.

The Azerbaijani capital is a key point where the Middle Corridor’s maritime and land routes intersect, while also serving as a hub for infrastructure operators, logistics companies and potential investors.

The forum is expected to provide a platform for discussing specific investment projects, infrastructure development and ways to improve transport links between Asia, the Caspian and Black seas and Europe.

With freight volumes on the Middle Corridor continuing to grow, the event will focus on what comes next for the route - from ferry fleets and port capacity to customs infrastructure and digital integration.