Aliyev says China, Central Asia cargo to move via Zangezur corridor

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said cargo from China and Central Asian countries is expected to be transported via the Zangezur corridor.

“We expect cargo from China and Central Asia to pass through the Zangezur corridor as well. We see it primarily as a link with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, but also as an international transport corridor,” Aliyev told local television channels on Jan. 5.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan currently has only one railway route heading west, adding that having alternative routes would boost transit volumes, competitiveness and help prevent monopolisation of transport corridors.

He added that Azerbaijan could become a priority partner for China in the South Caucasus, playing a key role in distributing cargo flows westward, southward toward the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, and northward.

Aliyev also said Azerbaijan’s role as a regional transport hub would naturally increase, despite the country lacking access to open seas.

Separately, the president noted that a rise in global conflicts has driven up demand and prices for military products, adding that Azerbaijan aims to increase defence-related exports to $1 billion within three to four years.

N.Tebrizli