Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov participated in the "New Silk Road" Forum held within the framework of the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai.

In his remarks, Samir Sharifov highlighted Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the intersection of East-West and North-South transportation corridors, positioning the country as a pivotal hub in the global supply chain, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor.

The Deputy Prime Minister reported on the latest logistics statistics, noting significant regional growth: in 2025, freight traffic along the Middle Corridor increased by 11%, while the North-South Corridor saw a 12% rise. Following modernization efforts, the annual throughput capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has reached 5 million tons, and the Baku International Sea Trade Port is expected to handle up to 25 million tons of cargo annually. TEU container handling at the Baku Port increased by 40% in 2025, exceeding 107,000.

Sharifov emphasized the strategic significance of the Zangezur Corridor, dubbed the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), noting that it provides a reliable land connection between Europe and Central Asia and could ensure a cargo flow of 865,000 TEUs by 2040.

The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored the importance of global collaboration, particularly between Central Asian and South Caucasian countries, for digitalization of border crossings and harmonization of customs procedures, urging partner states to coordinate joint efforts.