In the modern era, just as the application of information and communication technologies and artificial intelligence in society and industry is essential, so too is the expansion of transport and communication capabilities. Today, easy and efficient access to key markets has become a fundamental condition for sustainable development. Favorable transit routes, flexible logistics potential, and modern infrastructure are among the main global challenges of the 21st century. In this regard, as emphasized by Ilham Aliyev in his interview with local television channels, timely and well-calculated political decisions, along with large-scale infrastructure development, have further strengthened Azerbaijan’s advantageous geographical position and provided the country with significant competitive advantages. As the Head of State noted, Azerbaijan, guided by commercial efficiency and other factors, should play the role of a country that facilitates the growth of cargo transportation, invests in its own and neighboring countries’ infrastructure, and ensures transit flows. For this reason, Azerbaijan’s role as a transport hub-particularly as a landlocked country-will naturally increase.

These views were shared by the Head of Department at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, Aqil Asadov, in his commentary to AZERTAG.

He noted that over the past 20 years more than 21,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, hundreds of overpasses and bridges built, three international airports commissioned in a short period following the historic Victory, railways restored and modernized, vehicle fleets upgraded, transport services-especially public transport-improved, and the Alat Port with an annual cargo handling capacity of 25 million tons constructed. These projects represent only part of the extensive work carried out to develop and expand Azerbaijan’s transport, transit, and logistics potential.

According to Asadov, since 2003, within the framework of program-based public administration, dozens of successful programs and projects in the transport infrastructure sector have aimed not only at establishing efficient transportation services, but also at providing strong and reliable support for the diversified development of the national economy. The growth of tourism, increased domestic and foreign trade turnover, and the rising share of services in GDP clearly demonstrate these outcomes.

Located at the crossroads of major international transport corridors, Azerbaijan possesses strong long-term prospects in transit services. As a leading Eurasian transport hub, the country is capable not only of facilitating East-West and North-South transport routes, but also of supporting cargo transportation along South-West and North-West directions, where concrete statistical indicators already exist. As highlighted by the President, cargo flows will increasingly converge in Azerbaijan and be distributed onward to multiple destinations.

The anticipated opening of the Zangezur Corridor, following discussions held in the United States on 8 August 2025, is expected to further expand Azerbaijan’s capabilities as a transit hub. As noted in the interview, both railway and highway infrastructure related to the corridor are nearing completion, with road construction approximately 95 percent finished and railway infrastructure around 70 percent complete, and no remaining issues on Azerbaijan’s territory.

As a stable and secure country and a reliable partner, Azerbaijan promotes cooperation and peace rather than competition. This balanced approach is also reflected in the Zangezur Corridor initiative. As emphasized by the President, Azerbaijan itself initiated and is financing the construction of a bridge over the Araz River near the settlement of Agbend, demonstrating a constructive and responsible stance.

The Zangezur Corridor is expected to become a major artery for transport along East-West, East-South, and North-South routes. It will also restore the former USSR-Iran route, enabling transportation along the Russia-Baku-Agbend-Armenia-Nakhchivan-Julfa-Persian Gulf axis. Furthermore, as a secondary branch of the Middle Corridor, it will allow growing cargo flows from Nakhchivan toward Turkey-Europe and Iran-Persian Gulf-Middle East directions.

Asadov emphasized that timely political decisions, a balanced and peace-oriented policy, and the successful implementation of strategic projects and programs continue to strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as a reliable partner and elevate its importance as a major transport and logistics hub. These developments contribute significantly to overall economic growth, evidenced by increasing foreign investor interest in alternative energy sectors, large-scale investments across various industries, and the creation of long-term prospects for tourism development.

Transport connectivity and efficient transport services are particularly important for tourism development. Continuous improvements in transport infrastructure, modernization of tourist destinations, and the activation of tourism potential in the liberated territories are expected to transform tourism services into one of the main sources of budget revenues. In this context, special appreciation is due for the work carried out in the liberated territories to improve transport and communication links. Landmark projects such as the 11.7-kilometer Murovdag Tunnel, the Victory Road built in challenging mountainous terrain toward Shusha, the Barda-Aghdam and Aghdam-Khankendi railways, and the construction of modern hotels will significantly enhance the region’s attractiveness for tourists.

As the President stated, connecting the entire region internally and linking it with other parts of Azerbaijan-via Kalbajar toward Ganja and the western regions, via Tartar-Barda toward Baku, and via Fuzuli-Bilasuvar toward the south-will ensure more reliable connectivity and reduce travel time. These initiatives support expectations that tourist arrivals to Azerbaijan may exceed seven million in the near future.

In conclusion, the views expressed by the Head of State in his interview with local television channels reflect a comprehensive strategic vision and long-term programmatic approach, clearly outlining the future prospects of the Zangezur Corridor and Azerbaijan’s transport and transit potential in a realistic and forward-looking manner.