A planned subsea cable across the Caspian Sea is expected to open new opportunities for strengthening the Middle Corridor and advancing regional digital integration.

Speaking at a seminar on the launch of a digital highway during the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Samarkand, CEO of AzerTelecom Ana Nakashidze said the project reflects a growing push for regional integration and cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

She noted that beyond Central Asia and the South Caucasus, such cross-regional connectivity could significantly enhance the development of the Middle Corridor, which already includes initiatives in transport, energy, and logistics.

Nakashidze noted that the “Digital Silk Road” concept spans multiple jurisdictions and regulatory systems, requiring coordination between public and private sector players. She stressed that infrastructure today is not just about individual countries, but about building systems that enable seamless data exchange.

She also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, saying that access to digital corridors and large-scale connectivity is crucial for attracting global cloud service providers and building competitive AI ecosystems.

Nakashidze added that countries across the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly seeking integration into these digital flows to boost innovation and long-term economic growth.

In her view, the focus should gradually shift from building isolated infrastructure to coordinating and harmonizing entire digital ecosystems - a process that may take years but is essential for future development.