President Ilham Aliyev sent an address to the participants of the VI Caspian Business Forum being held in New York

President Ilham Aliyev sent an address to the participants of the VI Caspian Business Forum being held in New York.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the address states:

"Dear event participants!

I warmly welcome you to the 6th Caspian Business Forum on the topic "Along the Middle Corridor: Connectivity, Finance, and Energy," organized by the Caspian Policy Center.

The Middle Corridor is a strategic project covering vast geography. This corridor provides a reliable and secure route connecting Europe and Asia through the Caspian Sea, serving as the shortest and most optimal path for transporting goods from Asia to Europe and in the reverse direction.

Azerbaijan's favorable geographical position—right at the crossroads of two continents—allows our country to play a key role in connectivity issues. Today, we can proudly say that thanks to Azerbaijan's strategic vision and tireless efforts, a major project like the Middle Corridor, providing better synergy between Asia and Europe, has become a reality. The full commissioning of the Middle Corridor became possible not only due to Azerbaijan's economic potential but also as a result of the political stability and security prevailing in our country.

We have invested substantial funds in transport infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, particularly in the seaport, shipyard, railways, and other logistics infrastructure. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, Baku International Sea Trade Port, and Caspian cargo fleet constitute the most important transport infrastructure ensuring the smooth functioning of the Middle Corridor. Work is being carried out in the Azerbaijani segment of the Middle Corridor to improve, digitalize, modernize infrastructure, and expand its capacity.

Over the past three years, the volume of freight transportation along the Middle Corridor through Azerbaijan has increased by almost 90 percent, and the transit time of goods has significantly decreased. According to calculations, by 2030, the capacity of the Middle Corridor will triple compared to 2021, and the transit time of goods will be halved.

On August 8 of this year, in Washington, witnessed by US President Donald Trump, a joint declaration was signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, laying the foundation for the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), which will provide unhindered communication between the main part of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. I am confident that TRIPP, which will be the next crucial segment of the Middle Corridor, will serve as a key transport link connecting Asia and Europe, expanding the transit capabilities of international freight transportation and contributing to the prosperity of the countries in the region, as well as their integration into global supply chains. TRIPP also has significant potential for future energy transportation, electricity exports, particularly renewable energy, and the laying of fiber-optic lines, which will transform the region into an international hub for trade and digital communications. Azerbaijan has mobilized all efforts to ensure the speedy implementation of this route.

We view the Middle Corridor as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth and integration, recognizing it as a key factor in the development of infrastructure, industry, and business, as well as strengthening stability and prosperity throughout the region.

I am confident that today's event will contribute to a fruitful exchange of ideas and the promotion of new initiatives related to the Middle Corridor and the opportunities it provides, which will deepen regional and global integration.

I extend my best wishes to you and wish you success in the work of the conference".