Baku: Azerbaijan's trade turnover has doubled over the past five years, Advisor to the Minister of Economy Huseyn Huseynov stated during a panel discussion titled 'Drivers of Regional Integration in IsDB Regions' held as part of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in Baku, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Huseynov emphasized that regional integration is primarily an economic issue for Azerbaijan, where trade and investment are interdependent. He explained that trade creates opportunities for investment flows, while investments in infrastructure, logistics, and digital connectivity facilitate the expansion of trade.

Huseynov highlighted the potential for increased trade and investment across Central Asia and the Caucasus region. He noted that between 2020 and 2025, Azerbaijan's total trade turnover doubled, resulting in a strengthened private sector and expanded regional economic cooperation. This outcome demonstrated that integration fosters economic growth.

Azerbaijan's geographical location, at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, enables it to play a significant role in transport and logistics. With access to the Caspian Sea and its position along major Eurasian trade routes, Azerbaijan has substantial transit and logistics potential. The Baku International Sea Trade Port has become a key logistics hub in the Caspian basin, contributing to increasing cargo transportation between East and West.

Huseynov also underscored the strategic importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. This railway provides a direct rail connection between Asia and Europe, significantly reducing cargo transit times. The Middle Corridor, which combines these opportunities, serves as a vital route connecting Central Asia, the Caspian basin, Trkiye, and European markets. Azerbaijan's role as a major transit and logistics hub along this corridor continues to grow.

The energy sector remains a central pillar of Azerbaijan's regional cooperation. Huseynov noted that oil and gas pipelines linking the Caspian basin with global markets have long formed the foundation of Azerbaijan's contribution to energy security. Currently, Azerbaijan is expanding renewable energy projects and developing cross-border green energy initiatives, adding a new dimension to regional cooperation.

In addition to infrastructure projects, Huseynov highlighted the importance of modernizing customs systems, expanding digital trade platforms, and simplifying border procedures for successful regional integration.