Belgian ambassador: Azerbaijan-Armenia-US agreement to boost Middle Corridor potential

The strategic significance of the Middle Corridor, which connects Europe with Central Asia and beyond, is growing rapidly, Belgium"s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Julien de Fraipont, said during the "Black Sea-Caspian Logistics Forum 2025: Corridors, Cargo, Infrastructure" held in Baku, according to Report.

"The Middle Corridor has emerged as a crucial alternative to traditional trade routes. Cargo volumes along this corridor increased by over 60% last year, and container shipments are projected to triple by 2030. The recent agreement between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States, which we welcomed, further reinforces this potential," Ambassador de Fraipont stated.

He also noted that alongside these opportunities, challenges remain, including infrastructure bottlenecks, fragmented legal frameworks, and geopolitical instability, all of which continue to test regional supply chains.

"The EU has acknowledged these challenges and responded with a new strategy for the Black Sea region. A central element of this strategy is the connectivity agenda, which aims to develop transport, energy, and digital corridors linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia," he added.

The ambassador emphasized that the initiative extends beyond infrastructure development.

"This is about creating a stable, secure, and prosperous region through inclusive partnerships and smart investments. Belgium, as a founding member of the European Union and a global logistics hub, is well-positioned to contribute. Our ports-Antwerp, Bruges, and the inland ports of Ghent and Liège-rank among Europe"s largest. Belgian companies and experts offer world-class experience in multimodal transport, digital platforms, and green logistics. I encourage regional stakeholders and local firms to explore partnerships with Belgian companies, leveraging not only technical expertise but also our commitment to reliability, sustainability, and long-term collaboration. Through such strategic partnerships, this region has the potential to become a global hub and a cornerstone of international trade," Ambassador de Fraipont concluded.