Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), delivered a speech at the first Azerbaijan-US Think Tanks Forum held in Baku.

In the session dedicated to the topic "Energy Security and Connectivity," V.Gasimli discussed large-scale projects in the region, renewable energy initiatives, and the impact of the Southern Gas Corridor and the Middle Corridor on economic and strategic integration in the Eurasian space. He stated that Azerbaijan is the initiator of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, which is considered a geo-economic revolution in the region. V.Gasimli emphasized that Azerbaijan is leading the renewal of infrastructure along this synchronized route: “However, we understand that every chain is as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, it is very important that infrastructure is updated in a synchronized manner.”

The Executive Director of CAERC also stressed that Azerbaijan views the development of transportation and logistics connections as a key element of its economic strategy: "Azerbaijan is investing heavily in the development of connectivity. In particular, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, with a capacity of around 15 million tons, is currently the largest port on the Caspian coast. Last year, President Ilham Aliyev instructed that its capacity be increased to 25 million tons per year," V.Gasimli highlighted. He further added that the expansion of the port and the development of transport corridors will strengthen Azerbaijan's position as a key transit hub and create new opportunities for trade and investment in the region.

The session discussed new regional projects connecting Central Asia, the Caspian Basin and Europe, and highlighted Azerbaijan's growing role as a regional hub for energy, logistics and connectivity. It also analyzed the opportunities for public-private partnerships and international financial institutions to accelerate the green transition, develop smart logistics and increase digital connectivity across the region.

Organized by the Center for the Analysis of International Relations (CIAR), dedicated to the theme "Shared Visions: Azerbaijan-US Dialogue for Strategic Partnership", discussed "Assessment of the Washington Summit: Impact on US-Azerbaijani Relations", "Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process after the Washington Summit" and other topics. During the forum, state and government representatives, as well as the heads of leading think tanks from Azerbaijan, including the Atlantic Council, New Lines Institute, Hudson Institute, and the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute from the United States, exchanged views.