Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are advancing plans to build a joint intermodal terminal at the Port of Alat, a key project expected to strengthen the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) and boost regional trade.

The project was discussed during a meeting between Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel and Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON), The Caspian Post reports via Report.

photo: azcon

The two sides emphasized the strategic importance of transport connectivity in deepening bilateral economic ties and increasing the capacity of the Middle Corridor, one of Eurasia's fastest-growing trade routes.

A major focus of the talks was the implementation of joint transport projects. Bayel reminded the Azerbaijani side of the 2024 agreement, reached in the presence of the presidents of both countries, to build a joint intermodal terminal at the Port of Alat.

Azerbaijani officials said the master plan for the further development of the Port of Baku is nearing completion, after which construction of the terminal is expected to begin.

The discussions also covered industrial cooperation. In line with agreements between the two presidents, Kazakhstan will purchase ships built in Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan will continue acquiring locomotives manufactured in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has already placed an order with the Baku Shipyard for the construction of two dry cargo vessels. In turn, Babayev said AZCON would soon consider the purchase of additional Kazakh-made locomotives. Between 2015 and 2022, Kazakhstan supplied 50 locomotives to Azerbaijan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding transport and logistics cooperation, strengthening the Middle Corridor, and enhancing the role of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan as key transit hubs connecting Europe and Asia.