A detailed interview with Nargiza Umarova has been published on the website of the Azerbaijan State News Agency AZERTAC, which provides a detailed coverage of current trends in the development of transport and logistics links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, including the role of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and other regional players in the emerging Middle Corridor.
The interview pays special attention to the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), as well as the prospects of the Zangezur Corridor, an initiative that Umarova emphasises is supported by all Central Asian countries. With limited access to the sea for states like Uzbekistan, these routes become not just infrastructure projects, but tools for strategic autonomy, increasing export competitiveness and access to global markets.
The interview also reveals Uzbekistan's role in diversifying transport flows, including the development of the Trans-Afghan corridor to Pakistani Indian Ocean ports. Umarova emphasises that these routes not only strengthen regional connectivity, but also create preconditions for a new model of Eurasian integration encompassing Central and South Asia, the South Caucasus and Europe.
In conclusion, Nargiza Umarova emphasises the importance of energy and logistics initiatives such as the CASCA+ multimodal corridor and the development of port infrastructure in the Caspian Sea. In her opinion, these projects form the foundation for sustainable economic interaction and a new level of partnership between the regions.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
