Natig Jafarov: Middle Corridor's potential outweighs its challenges

Currently, the Middle Corridor, a strategic transport network connecting Europe and Asia, faces several operational challenges, Natig Jafarov, CEO of Alliance Multimodal LLC, stated at the Black Sea–Caspian Freight Forum 2025: Corridors, Cargo, Infrastructure in Baku, Report informs.

Jafarov noted that certain limitations still affect the corridor's performance:

"These include limited ferry capacity, slow customs procedures, and higher transportation costs when maritime routes are stable. However, the corridor's potential far exceeds these difficulties. New vessels and terminals are being commissioned, intergovernmental coordination is improving, and customs systems are transitioning to online platforms. Most importantly, demand from Europe and Asia continues to grow. With steady investment flows, the Middle Corridor is strengthening year by year."

Jafarov emphasized that the corridor has proven its resilience during periods of global crisis:

"Azerbaijan's geographic position and infrastructure have placed it at the center of recent transformation. The key driver behind the corridor's success is the partnership between countries and companies. The Middle Corridor is no longer just a concept-it's a growing reality. Together, we can turn it into not only a route of resilience, but a route of opportunity for the decades ahead."