Azerbaijan Highlights TRIPP and Middle Corridor as Drivers of Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth
Washington, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan has highlighted the potential of the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, commonly known as the Middle Corridor, to strengthen regional connectivity, expand trade and promote sustainable economic development.
Speaking at the United Nations during the joint general discussion on macroeconomic policy questions and the follow-up to the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Elvin Ashrafzade, said TRIPP was expected to facilitate unimpeded multimodal connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
He said the initiative would also create new opportunities for regional trade, economic integration and prosperity as part of the Zangazur Corridor.
Ashrafzade noted that Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia had enabled it to emerge as an important transport and logistics hub. He highlighted the country’s substantial investments in modern multimodal transport infrastructure and its efforts to strengthen cooperation with regional partners.
The Azerbaijani diplomat identified the Middle Corridor as a key component of these connectivity initiatives, noting that cargo volumes along the route had increased by nearly 90 per cent since 2022.
He said strategic infrastructure projects, including the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, were strengthening trade links between Asia and Europe while contributing to more resilient and diversified supply chains.
According to Ashrafzade, the growth of the Middle Corridor demonstrates its significant potential to facilitate international trade, reduce transit costs and support sustainable economic development.
He emphasized that realizing the corridor’s full potential would require continued regional cooperation, simplified transit procedures and greater digitalization of transport and logistics operations.
Ashrafzade also highlighted Azerbaijan’s cooperation with international partners on the ambitious Digital Silk Way project, which envisages an advanced fibre-optic cable network beneath the Caspian Sea to connect Asia and Europe through a secure and resilient digital infrastructure.
He said the initiative would complement Azerbaijan’s transport connectivity efforts by strengthening digital links between the two continents.
Azerbaijan’s statements at the United Nations underscore the country’s focus on developing integrated transport and digital networks to enhance regional economic cooperation, diversify trade routes and strengthen connections between Europe and Asia.
