Uzbekistan is moving to deepen its transport and logistics partnership with Azerbaijan by planning a joint fleet on the Caspian Sea and establishing a new joint venture aimed at improving multimodal freight services along the strategically important Middle Corridor.
Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Khurram Teshabayev, said the proposed joint fleet would enhance cargo movement across the Caspian Sea while strengthening regional transport connectivity. The initiative forms part of broader efforts by both countries to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, an increasingly important trade route linking Asia and Europe.
Speaking to The Caspian Post via Report, Teshabayev said Uzbekistan also plans to establish a joint venture between Uztemiryulkargo JSC and the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) to expand multimodal freight transportation services.
“These initiatives will improve the efficiency of multimodal transport, make logistics chains more resilient, and reduce transportation costs for exporters,” Teshabayev said.
The deputy minister noted that Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are actively coordinating measures to make the Middle Corridor more attractive for exporters. Discussions are underway on a range of support mechanisms, including discounted cargo transshipment charges, integrated tariff solutions, simplified logistics procedures, and priority handling for containerised and export cargo.
Teshabayev also underlined the growing importance of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, describing it as a critical gateway for Uzbek exports to international markets through the Middle Corridor and one of the region’s leading logistics hubs.
“We highly value the efficiency of the port’s infrastructure for Uzbek exporters. In recent years, cargo volumes along this route have grown steadily, the range of exported products has expanded, and cooperation between the transport and logistics operators of our two countries has continued to strengthen,” he said.
The planned initiatives reflect the increasing focus of Central Asian nations on diversifying trade routes and strengthening multimodal transport networks amid rising demand for efficient alternatives connecting Asia with Europe. The proposed Caspian fleet and logistics partnership are expected to enhance supply chain resilience, improve transit efficiency, and lower transportation costs for regional exporters while reinforcing the Middle Corridor’s role as a key Eurasian trade route.