Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan plans to invest in developing additional transport capacity within the Middle Corridor, including the Zangezur Corridor and its Azerbaijani section, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov said at the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026), Report reported.
According to the minister, Uzbekistan continues to diversify its transport routes, with the Middle Corridor remaining one of the most attractive options.
Over the past two to three years, the volume of Uzbek goods transported through Azerbaijan has doubled. Growth has continued this year, reaching about 30%, Kudratov said.
In this regard, Uzbekistan is working to create new opportunities for transporting cargo across the Caspian Sea. This includes developing ferry services and investing in the Zangezur Corridor, including its Azerbaijani section.
“Thus, Uzbekistan is committed to developing and investing in additional capacity within the Middle Corridor,” the minister said.
Kudratov also emphasized the priority of expanding trade and economic ties between the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan. According to him, trade between the countries of the region and Azerbaijan has already reached US$13 billion. The goal is to increase mutual trade within the region to US$20 billion by 2030.
At the same time, cooperation extends beyond trade to include industrial cooperation and joint investment projects.
Uzbekistan has invested in Azerbaijan’s textile and automotive industries, as well as other sectors. Azerbaijani companies, in turn, are investing in Uzbekistan, including in mining, real estate and energy.
According to Kudratov, the two countries are also working together to create a common market and a shared economic and business space.
The minister also highlighted energy security. Uzbekistan is investing in diversifying its electricity sources, while together with Azerbaijan it is discussing and developing projects in solar and wind energy.
Kudratov noted that Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole have significant potential for solar and wind power generation.
