Accra:Middle Corridor The development of the Middle Corridor is creating significant opportunities for economic growth and stronger integration into global markets for countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. This was highlighted by Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), during a briefing on the "Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia."

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Azour emphasized that attracting additional investments to the Middle Corridor and increasing trade with China, Europe, and the Middle East could enhance the region's integration into the global economy.

Azour noted that countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia are already investing substantially in transport and logistics infrastructure. However, he stressed the importance of continuing structural and institutional reforms to fully realize the potential of these investments.

The development of the private sector, reforms in state-owned enterprises, and the optimization of state involvement in the economy were identified as crucial factors for expanding international economic relations in the region.

Azour also pointed out that changes in investment and migration flows, along with increased capital investments and interest in alternative logistics routes, have positively impacted the economies of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. This has resulted in higher economic growth in several countries compared to other regional economies.

IMF forecasts suggest that while differences in economic growth rates among countries in the region are expected to narrow between 2026 and 2027, disparities in economic development dynamics will persist among individual countries.