Companies from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have signed two documents outlining cooperation on a new trans-Caspian ferry system called the Caspian Bridge, an intermodal freight terminal and a joint venture.

The documents were signed during a meeting between Nurlan Zhakupov, chairman of the management board of Kazakhstan's Samruk-Kazyna sovereign wealth fund, and representatives of Azerbaijan's state-owned AZCON Holding, according to Samruk-Kazyna.

The first document establishes a framework for cooperation between Samruk-Kazyna and AZCON Holding on the development of the Caspian Bridge ferry system. It outlines the main principles and areas of joint work required to prepare and implement the project.

The second document, a term sheet signed by Kazakhstan's national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, sets out the main terms for establishing an intermodal freight terminal and a joint venture.

The initiative aims to expand container shipping and other freight transportation, with a particular focus on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.

The route connects Asia and Europe through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus and onward to European markets.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed opportunities to expand investment and business ties and advance joint projects in transport, logistics and maritime infrastructure.

The planned ferry system and freight terminal are expected to support closer transport connectivity between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and strengthen the Middle Corridor's role in regional and international trade.