Uzbek cargo transit via Azerbaijan surges 30%

Uzbekistan's cargo transit through Azerbaijan has doubled over the past two to three years and expanded by roughly 30% this year, according to Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov.

Kudratov noted that Tashkent is evaluating investments in the Azerbaijani section of the Zangazur corridor, Nakhchivan’s logistics infrastructure, and the acquisition of additional Caspian ferries to strengthen Middle Corridor throughput. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states has reached $13 billion, with a target of $20 billion by 2030.

Bilateral investments span textiles, automotive manufacturing, mining, and real estate, while both countries are finalizing feasibility studies for green electricity exports from Central Asia to Europe. Uzbekistan, which currently generates around 30% of its power from renewable sources, plans to increase the combined share of solar, wind, hydro, and gas power in its energy mix to 54% by 2030.

Gulnar Nazimgizi