Baku: During the recent visit of a delegation of leading Azerbaijani companies and customs representatives to China, there was particular interest in cross-border trade, logistics and supply chains, customs and digital services, equipment manufacturing, energy, and new energy technologies, Brittany Li, Co-founder of the International Carbon Neutrality Industry Research Organization (ICNIRO), told AZERTAC.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Li highlighted that Chinese companies are increasingly interested in understanding the Azerbaijani market and exploring opportunities to leverage Azerbaijan's geographic position, infrastructure, and regional connectivity to expand their international business. She emphasized that the Middle Corridor's value extends beyond being a transportation route, as it fosters new trade, business, and industrial connections.
Li noted that one of the significant outcomes of the visit was providing Azerbaijani companies with a direct understanding of China's market, particularly in Sichuan and Chengdu. Conversely, it also helped Chinese companies better comprehend Azerbaijan's role as a gateway connecting China with the Caucasus, Central Asia, and European markets.
She argued that Chinese companies are focusing more on the Middle Corridor as global supply chains seek more diversified, stable, and resilient transport options. From discussions with Chinese companies, factors such as transit time, supply chain reliability, and ease of doing business are of particular interest.
Li expressed her belief that Azerbaijan could strengthen its role as a connector, facilitating not only the movement of Chinese goods toward Europe but also helping Chinese companies grasp market opportunities in Azerbaijan, the wider Caucasus, Trkiye, and Europe. This would encourage two-way trade and investment, evolving the Middle Corridor into a platform that connects trade, logistics, industry, and investment.
Li concluded with a positive outlook on the future of the Middle Corridor, asserting that as infrastructure, digitalization, and cross-border coordination improve, it has the potential to become a strategic route within China-Europe trade, with Azerbaijan playing a distinctive role as a regional hub.