Jasurbek Choriev: Uzbekistan intends to explore potential of Zangazur Corridor on ground - INTERVIEW

In an era of global transformation of logistics routes, Central Asia and the Caucasus are forming a unified transport backbone capable of reshaping the map of Eurasian trade. Amid unprecedented growth in freight traffic along the Middle Corridor, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are reaching a level of deep integration, transforming their geographic proximity into a powerful economic asset. Synchronizing tariffs, eliminating infrastructure barriers, and launching new air routes are laying the foundation for creating a seamless space from Tashkent to the shores of Europe.

In an exclusive interview with Report, Jasurbek Choriev, Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, discussed the growth of transit through the Caspian Sea, the prospects for using the Zangazur Corridor, and plans to double the frequency of flights between the capitals.

Report presents the interview:

- You previously noted Azerbaijan's key role in the integration of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, TITR). How would you characterize the current dynamics of this route for the period 2025-2026? What share of Uzbek cargo transits the Caspian region?

- Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East have given additional impetus to cargo flows through the Middle Corridor. All cargo traffic naturally passes through Baku. It's worth noting that even before these events, over the past few years, cargo volumes along this route had quadrupled: according to the World Bank, they now reach approximately 4.1 million tons annually, compared to previously reported levels of approximately 350,000-400,000 tons.

I would like to emphasize that all neighboring countries are demonstrating an extremely positive attitude toward Azerbaijan. Our ties go far beyond friendly relations-they are truly fraternal, and the level of mutual understanding between the countries remains exceptionally high.

Naturally, certain challenges remain, due to climate factors, the functioning of port infrastructure, and certain limitations in logistics capacity. At the same time, we know that Azerbaijan is making significant efforts and investing in modernizing its ports and increasing their throughput. I am confident that this corridor will retain its importance and will attract even greater cargo volumes, possibly even exceeding current expectations.

- How does the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan assess the potential of the Zangazur Corridor for accessing European and Turkish markets? Is it considered by Uzbekistan as a key alternative?

- Good question. We plan to send a special commission to Azerbaijan to thoroughly examine this new route firsthand. Currently, we have analyzed it solely based on cartographic data, as well as through negotiations and informal meetings.

It is undoubtedly of great interest to us, jointly with the Azerbaijani side, to assess how attractive and competitive this route will be for Uzbek and Central Asian cargo in general. We will certainly take this into account in the future.

- In early 2026, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia signed a trilateral agreement on corridor development. What specific benefits-discounts on transit shipments, unified tariffs-did Uzbek exporters receive under this agreement?

- We sign a similar document annually. It includes preferential terms, including tariff discounts. All three countries operate according to a mechanism developed over the past decade. Certain delays sometimes occur when parliament or the government approves specific tariff rates. This process takes time, but ultimately, we always reach agreement and establish preferential tariffs for both transit traffic and bilateral trade.

- There is a steady increase in passenger traffic between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Are there any plans to launch new air routes, for example, direct flights from Bukhara to Baku, in addition to the existing routes from Tashkent?

- As is known, several air carriers currently operate direct flights between Tashkent and Baku, and AZAL also serves the Baku-Samarkand route.

We recently submitted an application to operate additional flights on the Tashkent-Baku route on behalf of a private airline. I believe that today we are ready to move from daily service to doubling the frequency of flights between the capitals.

Samarkand and Urgench are also considered promising destinations. Airlines are free to use their existing quotas on these routes without any restrictions.