Azerbaijan’s transit cargo volume reaches 7 million tonnes, says AYNA official

The volume of transit cargo transported through Azerbaijan reached 7 million tonnes in 2025, according to Subhan Abilov, director of the Cargo Transportation Department at the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA).

Speaking on the sidelines of the TransLogistica Caspian Forum, Abilov said the figure reflects only transit shipments passing through the country.

“The 7 million tonnes account solely for transit cargo. In addition, Azerbaijan handles international import and export shipments, which are not included in this figure,” he said.

According to Abilov, Azerbaijan’s growing role in regional transport corridors, particularly the Middle Corridor linking China and Europe, has contributed to rising cargo flows.

He said reforms implemented in recent years have simplified access for Azerbaijani carriers to international transport markets, including through the digitalisation of permit issuance procedures.

“Carriers can now obtain permits remotely through an electronic system without visiting government offices. Full electronic permit exchange has already been implemented with Turkey, while Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are also connected to the system,” Abilov said.

He noted that Azerbaijan has become the first country in the CIS region to provide international road transport permits electronically on a 24/7 basis without physical interaction.

Negotiations are also under way to expand electronic permit exchanges with Georgia, China and Ukraine, while agreements have already been reached with Russia and Iran, he added.

Abilov said Azerbaijan, as a member of the International Transport Forum, is able to carry out freight transportation to European Union countries using multilateral permits.

He also highlighted growing cooperation with China. Following recent talks, the number of permits exchanged between the two countries has increased fivefold.

“The quota has been increased from 1,000 bilateral and transit permits and 500 third-country permits to 5,000 bilateral and transit permits and 2,500 third-country permits,” he said.

Delegations from AYNA and Azerbaijani transport companies also visited the Khorgos border crossing and logistics hub in China to establish direct contacts with Chinese logistics operators.

“We expect a significant increase in cargo flows from China via Azerbaijan in the coming years,” Abilov said.

He added that it was too early to provide a forecast for transit volumes in 2026 and that updated figures would be announced after the end of the year