Rashad Nabiyev: Zangazur corridor becoming main artery of Middle Corridor

The Zangazur corridor is evolving into the main artery of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, also known as the Middle Corridor), Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev said, Report informs.

The minister made the statement at the 1st Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF-2025) held in Baku.

He noted that the Zangazur corridor, initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, is becoming a core component of the Middle Corridor and holds strategic importance for the region's future development: "This idea has remained on the agenda consistently over the past five years. At international meetings held this August, the Zangazur corridor was reaffirmed as a vital artery of the Middle Corridor. We view this route not as an alternative to existing ones, but as a strategic path that serves the development and prosperity of nations. Forecasts suggest that annual cargo volume through the corridor could reach up to 15 million tons."

Nabiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has long contributed to strengthening the Middle Corridor-not only by building infrastructure but also by fostering regional cooperation: "Today, the Middle Corridor is not managed by a single country. It is built on a philosophy of ‘close neighborhood" among countries that share common goals, live in peace, and benefit from one another. A principle of mutual dependence now exists-each country's success is linked to the success of others."

The minister also addressed global trade trends: "For a long time, global trade was dominated by just a few countries. That trend is changing. Today, the Gulf, South Caucasus, Central and Southeast Asia play key roles not only in trade but also in the application and development of technology. Last year, the value of global trade reached approximately $33 trillion. However, diversification of transit routes still faces challenges. In this context, Azerbaijan can play a pivotal role in developing various corridors between East and West."

Nabiyev concluded by stressing that Azerbaijan is not only focused on infrastructure projects, but also on jointly identifying the most efficient ways to utilize them: "This is essential for mutual dependence and shared success among regional countries."