Azerbaijan is deepening transport integration with Central Asia to strengthen its role as a Eurasian logistics hub. Railway cooperation, the Eurasian Transport Route, backloading and digital logistics are expected to support higher regional cargo flows.
Azerbaijan is strengthening its integration with Central Asian economies as it seeks to expand its role as a strategic transport and logistics hub connecting the region with international markets. Emil Mammadov, Advisor to the Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), said closer cooperation with Central Asian countries could significantly increase regional cargo flows and strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as an access point to global trade routes.
Speaking at the fifth Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2026 in Baku, Mammadov highlighted ongoing efforts by railway administrations to establish cooperation mechanisms, improve communication and synchronise operational processes. He said stronger connectivity could help transform landlocked Central Asian economies into more effectively land-linked markets by providing access to maritime and international trade routes through Azerbaijan.
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Railway cooperation is also extending to rolling stock and operational capabilities. According to Mammadov, discussions are structured to ensure that countries complement rather than duplicate one another’s investments and technical efforts. Similar cooperation is also being discussed with Georgia, which has joined the Eurasian Transport Route International Association.
The Eurasian Transport Route represents a new transport platform initiated by Azerbaijan and operates along the southern branch of the Middle Corridor. Uzbekistan plays a central role in the Central Asian segment of this route, while the broader network connects Central Asia with Azerbaijan and onward markets.
The development comes as Azerbaijan seeks to increase freight volumes along the Trans-Caspian and Middle Corridor routes. The country is also working to improve the efficiency of container transportation and strengthen two-way cargo flows. ADY is currently negotiating with major logistics operators to include suitable Azerbaijani export products in the backloading process, allowing containers that arrive in Azerbaijan to be used for outbound shipments rather than returning empty.
Digitalisation is another component of Azerbaijan’s logistics strategy. A recent CAREC-ADB study recommended creating a national Digital Logistics Platform linking ADY, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping, Baku Port, customs and border systems. The proposed integration would support electronic transport documents, automated data exchange and more efficient multimodal freight operations along the Trans-Caspian route.
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The growing integration with Central Asia therefore has implications beyond rail connectivity. By combining railway networks, Caspian maritime transport, logistics infrastructure and digital systems, Azerbaijan aims to strengthen its position within Eurasian supply chains and capture a larger share of Asia-Europe and Central Asia-Europe trade.