Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan Plan Joint Caspian Fleet To Boost Middle Corridor Trade

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are advancing plans to establish a joint fleet on the Caspian Sea as part of efforts to strengthen transport connectivity, improve cargo movement and enhance trade along the Middle Corridor.

Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Khurram Teshabayev, disclosed the initiative, saying the proposed fleet is expected to improve the efficiency of freight transportation between the two countries and beyond.

According to him, Uzbekistan also plans to create a joint venture between Uztemiryulkargo JSC and the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) to strengthen multimodal freight transport across the region.

Teshabayev said the partnership would help build more resilient logistics networks, lower transportation costs for exporters and improve the overall efficiency of cargo movement.

He noted that both countries are working closely to increase the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, a key trade route linking Asia and Europe.

Discussions are also ongoing on measures to support Uzbek exporters through cargo transshipment discounts, integrated tariff arrangements, simplified logistics procedures and priority handling for containerised and export cargo.

The deputy minister described the Baku International Sea Trade Port as a strategic gateway for Uzbekistan’s exports to global markets through the Middle Corridor, noting that the facility has become one of the region’s most important logistics hubs.

He said cargo traffic along the route has continued to grow in recent years, while the range of exported products has expanded alongside stronger cooperation between transport and logistics operators in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

The planned initiatives are expected to further strengthen regional trade, improve supply chain efficiency and reinforce the Middle Corridor as an important transport link connecting Central Asia with European markets.