On November 16-17, 2023, with the jointly organization by Special Delegation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Institute of Economics MSE held an international scientific-practical conference on "International transport-logistics corridor: development impulses from Zangilan” in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan region included in the East Zangezur economic region
At the conference, were discussed the impact of international transport corridors on the economic development of the Eurasian continent, the opening of the Zangezur corridor and its integration into existing transport systems, development and digitization of these systems, problems of applying innovative customs mechanisms in the countries along the corridor. More than 200 representatives from 15 countries, 8 international organizations and international financial institutions participated in the event.
The conference started on November 16, 2023, in Zangilan. The conference moderated by Professor Nazim Muzaffarli (Imanov), director general of the Institute of Economics MSE was remembered with discussions held on the participation of authorized representatives from various countries, high-level experts from a number of international organizations, institutions and universities that are important on topics. At the same time, a meeting of transport ministers of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States took place within the framework of the event.
The essence of holding the first day of the conference in the territories freed from occupation was to attract the attention of the international community, especially the organizations, institutes, research and think tanks operating in the field of transport and logistics to those regions. One of the main goals is to inform partners about the large-scale transport infrastructure projects implemented in the liberated territories, to highlight the potential role of those regions in cargo transportation along the international transport corridors and transit opportunities.
Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan regions included in the East Zangezur economic region, made a speech at the event. He said that currently 871 members of 175 families live in Agalı village. According to the Great Return state program, 3 cities, 5 settlements, and 24 villages will be built in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan during 2022-2026. He noted that Zangilan will be a transport hub. In addition, the foundation of a new road was laid in Agband for the development of trade and transport relations with Iran. In this way, Zangilan has the potential to become a large logistics center of the region.
The Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev said that the successes in the Middle Corridor will lead to changes in the field of transport and logistics in the future. According to his speech, it is enough to transport goods from East to West and from West to East through traditional corridors, but the importance of the Middle Corridor has increased due to geopolitical issues. The transportation of goods from the West to the East is very important. A road map has been prepared with the countries that are members of the corridor. This road map is very comprehensive and it also defines the responsibilities of other parties: "Working together, we have already started the implementation of the map and synchronized a number of issues. We have implemented a number of operations and activities at the same time." Chairman of the State Customs Committee Shahin Bagirov also spoke at the international conference. He noted that highlighting the global perspectives of the Middle Corridor, which is considered the restoration of the Silk Road, and taking into account important factors such as economic efficiency and transportation optimization are among the most important issues facing us now. He added that the establishment of the Trans-Caspian Customs Transit Portal will be a digital junction mechanism between East and West over the Caspian, which ensures the rapid passage of goods through the territory of transit countries, and provides conditions for efficient control of multimodal transport between land and sea ports.
The Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Kubanichbek Omuraliyev said in his speech that Azerbaijan is one of the main players in the field of global logistics and transport, and is one of the important transport routes of the region. According to his words, Azerbaijan connects Europe and Asia and creates an opportunity for economic growth: "Transport issues are among the priority issues for Turkish states. It is also reflected in these documents." The general secretary added that the main goal of this event is to improve transport and transit cooperation and eliminate difficulties. "Our main goal is the development of the Trans-Caspian and the Middle Corridor. The strategy of the Turkish states is to turn the Middle Corridor into a safe transport corridor as soon as possible. It is assumed that the Zangezur Corridor will create new opportunities for the region. This will provide socio-economic and geopolitical benefits," Kubanichbek said.
It should be noted that the event continued with discussions.
Then the discussions on sections were continued. With the moderation by Prof. Nazim Imanov, was widely carried out discussions on "The role of international transport corridors in the trade and sustainable development of the Eurasian region", including under the chairmanship of Rashad Bayramov, a counselor of the Minister of Digital Development and Transport, carried out discussions at the same theme, and as well as, by the moderation of Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Board of the Center for the Analysis of International Relations carried out wide discussion on “High-level Panel on Building Transit Corridors: Utilization of Eurasia's Potential”.
Then all the conference participants came to the newly built and inhabited village of Agalı in Zangilan, and got to know the conditions here.
The conference continued its work on November 17, in Baku.
