Uzbekistan to invest in Middle Corridor and Zangazur Corridor, minister says

Uzbekistan plans to invest in developing additional transport capacity along the Middle Corridor, including its constituent part, the Zangazur Corridor, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov said at the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026), Report informs.

According to him, Uzbekistan is actively diversifying its transport corridors, with the Middle Corridor standing out as one of the most attractive routes.

"Over the past two to three years, we have doubled the volume of goods transported through Azerbaijan and continue to expand it this year. We are observing positive growth of around 30%, and we are currently working on developing new capacities for freight transport across the Caspian Sea," the minister said.

He noted that this includes expanding ferry services, as well as investing in the Zangazur Corridor, including its Azerbaijani segment.

"Thus, Uzbekistan is committed to developing and investing in additional capacities within the Middle Corridor," Laziz Kudratov stated.

He also emphasized that Uzbekistan prioritizes the development of broader and stronger trade and economic relations between Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

"We have already reached $13 billion in trade volume between Central Asian nations and Azerbaijan. We have set a target to reach $20 billion in mutual trade by 2030," he said.

According to Kudratov, this initiative encompasses not only trade but also industrial partnerships and joint investments.

"For example, Uzbekistan has invested in Azerbaijan's textile and automotive industries, as well as several other sectors. Similarly, Azerbaijan is investing in Uzbekistan across various fields, including mining, real estate, and energy," the minister noted.

Laziz Kudratov added that both parties are working together toward creating a unified market, economic, and business space.

He also highlighted the importance of energy security for Uzbekistan, stating that the country is investing in diversifying its electricity sources.

"Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole possess immense potential for generating highly cost-effective solar and wind energy. We are currently discussing and developing joint projects in this domain with Azerbaijan," the minister concluded.