AIIF 2026 discusses Middle Corridor and US-Azerbaijan partnership

A panel session titled "Middle Corridor: Regional Trade, Connectivity and Value Chains" was held as part of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026) in Baku.

According to Report, citing the Ministry of Economy, participants discussed the US-Azerbaijan partnership, the TRIPP project and the role of the Middle Corridor in promoting trade and investment.

The first part of the session, dedicated to the US-Azerbaijan economic partnership, was moderated by Taleh Ziyadov, adviser to the Minister of Economy. Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov said in his remarks that expanding regional connectivity makes a significant contribution to strengthening sustainable peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The discussion also brought together Deputy Energy Minister Orkhan Zeynalov, US Chargé d'Affaires in Azerbaijan Amy Carlon, representatives of Bechtel, Apollo and Centricus, and USACC Executive Director Natig Bakhishov. Participants discussed cooperation on energy and infrastructure projects, private-sector involvement and investment opportunities.

The second part of the session, moderated by Euronews Bureau Chief Nadira Tudor, focused on the Middle Corridor. Participants included Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rahman Gummatov, deputy ministers from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Georgia, Chinese Embassy Trade Counselor in Azerbaijan Yu Hongqi, German Eastern Business Association Chairman Michael Harms, Kibar Holding Chairman Haluk Kayabaşı and IFC Regional Director for the Western Balkans and the South Caucasus Wiebke Schloemer. Discussions focused on developing the Middle Corridor as a sustainable East-West trade and logistics platform, as well as strengthening trade and investment ties between Central Asia, Azerbaijan and China.