Azerbaijan Railways, Chinese partners discuss increasing Middle Corridor cargo transportation

BAKU. Sept 9 (Interfax) - CJSC Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and Chinese partners have discussed an increase in transportation of Chinese goods to Europe and expanding logistics capabilities, ADY said in a press release.

ADY chief Rovshan Rustamov met with delegations from Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), NIZE Tech and JSC Lianyungang Port.

"The meetings focused on developing transport and logistics links between Azerbaijan and China and increasing cargo flows along the Middle Corridor [Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, TITR]. During a meeting with representatives of Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) and technology company NIZE Tech, ADY chairman discussed opportunities to expand regular container services along the Middle Corridor. The parties highlighted the importance of identifying cargo that could be transported from Shanghai to Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan, while exploring new areas for cooperation," ADY said.

The meetings also addressed the digitalization of port operations and the deployment of smart-port solutions. Potential areas of cooperation included terminal operating systems, intelligent gate and cargo tallying solutions, yard management, data integration, and enhanced digital coordination between port and rail operations.

"The parties exchanged views on joint steps to further develop cooperation between ADY, SIPG and NIZE Tech along the Middle Corridor," ADY said.

Rustamov and the delegation from Lianyungang Port discussed the development of the Lianyungang-Baku route, the expansion of block-train services along the Middle Corridor, and attracting additional cargo flows toward Europe.

The parties said enhanced information exchange on cargo forecasts, train schedules and logistics requirements would improve the efficiency of the Lianyungang-Baku route, help optimize transit times, and strengthen its competitiveness.

"Following the meetings, the parties agreed to continue cooperation on the development of the Middle Corridor, increasing China-Azerbaijan-Europe cargo flows, optimizing logistics processes, and deploying new technological solutions," ADY said.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, connects China and Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.