As part of the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, the panel session “The Middle Corridor: Regional Trade, Connectivity and Value Chains” focused on the U.S.–Azerbaijan partnership, TRIPP and new regional connectivity opportunities, as well as the role of the Middle Corridor in the development of trade, investment and regional value chains.
A panel session titled “The Middle Corridor: Regional Trade, Connectivity and Value Chains” was held as part of the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, convened under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev.
The first part of the session, dedicated to “U.S.–Azerbaijan Economic Partnership: TRIPP and New Connectivity Opportunities,” was moderated by Taleh Ziyadov, Advisor to the Minister of Economy.
Speaking at the event, Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, provided information on the U.S.–Azerbaijan partnership and the contribution that new regional connectivity opportunities can make to strengthening lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
The panel featured Orkhan Zeynalov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Amy Carlon, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan; Gabor Gerencser, President of Infrastructure at Bechtel; Jonathan Barr, Managing Director at Apollo; Halil Emecen, Partner at Centricus; and Natig Bakhishov, Executive Director of the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC).
The panel discussed the development of the U.S.–Azerbaijan strategic partnership, cooperation on energy and infrastructure projects, private-sector participation and investment opportunities. The participants also exchanged views on opportunities available to U.S. companies and investors in Azerbaijan, the development of strategic infrastructure, and prospects for expanding cooperation on regional energy connectivity.
The second part of the panel session was dedicated to “The Middle Corridor: Regional Trade, Connectivity and Value Chains.”
Moderated by Nadira Tudor, Bureau Chief at Euronews, the session brought together Rahman Hummatov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Perhat Yagshiev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan; Aidar Abildabekov, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Yu Hongchi, Trade Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Azerbaijan; Michael Harms, Managing Director of the German Eastern Business Association (OA); Vakhtang Tsintsadze, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Haluk Kayabaşı, CEO of Kibar Holding; and Wiebke Schloemer, Director for Western Balkans and South Caucasus at the International Finance Corporation.
The session focused on the development of the Middle Corridor as a resilient East–West trade and logistics platform, strengthening Trans-Caspian connectivity and multimodal transport infrastructure, expanding rail, port and logistics capacity, and developing trade and investment ties between Central Asia, Azerbaijan and China. Attention was also paid to financing infrastructure through public-private partnerships, multilateral financial institutions and private capital, linking transit opportunities with manufacturing, processing and value-added activities, and expanding regional industrial cooperation and integration into value chains.
The discussions highlighted the opportunities created for investment and economic cooperation by Azerbaijan’s position as a strategic gateway between Central Asia, the South Caucasus and global markets, as well as by linking the country’s transport and logistics capabilities with the development of manufacturing and regional value chains.
October 05, 2026 16:32
Minister of Economy Meets with Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization
