Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister Highlights Strategic Impact of President Mirziyoyev’s Visit to Azerbaijan

Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov has said that the visit of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Azerbaijan holds great significance not only for the economy and trade but also for the development of transport and logistics links.

Makhkamov made these remarks in an interview with “Uzbekistan 24” TV channel, The Caspian Post reports, citing Gazeta.uz.

“Currently, one of the key corridors facilitating export-import trade and freight transport from Uzbekistan is the Middle Corridor, which passes through Azerbaijan,” the minister explained.

He noted that preferential rates for container rail transport via Azerbaijan have been extended until the end of next year.

“Thanks to the visits of our esteemed president, the preferential rates of up to 70 per cent for container and rail transport have been extended until 2026,” the minister said.

Makhkamov also revealed that Uzbekistan is preparing to launch its own ferries on the Caspian Sea to reduce cargo delays: “We are negotiating and working on having Uzbek companies operate ferries on the Caspian Sea, given the increasing volume of freight transport there. Currently, ferries face delays of 30-40 days, causing cargo backlogs. Therefore, Uzbek companies, together with Turkish partners, have decided to operate ferries on the Caspian Sea.”

He further noted that the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project will provide additional transit capacity between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: “We have already agreed on expanding and modernizing the infrastructure - and we are ready for it.”

The Middle Corridor is a key transcontinental transport route connecting China and Central Asia to Europe through the South Caucasus region. It stretches from China through Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, crossing Azerbaijan and Georgia before reaching Europe via Türkiye. This corridor offers a faster alternative to the traditional northern route through Russia and the southern maritime route via the Suez Canal. By facilitating efficient rail and sea connections, the Middle Corridor plays a crucial role in boosting trade, reducing transit times, and enhancing economic integration between Asia and Europe.