Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are laying the foundation for a new economic space connecting Central Asia, the Caspian region, the South Caucasus and European markets, Uzbek political analyst and Chief Research Fellow at the Center for Foreign Policy Studies Shakhodat Khoshimova told Trend. According to the expert, relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are at a historic high, driven by strong political trust between the two countries’ leaders, close historical and cultural ties, and growing economic interdependence. Trade and investment cooperation, industrial cooperation, energy, agriculture, transport and logistics are actively developing,” Khoshimova said.
She noted that an important stage in the development of bilateral relations is the transition toward deeper economic cooperation. This can become the main economic foundation of the allied relations between the two countries,” the expert said. Speaking about prospects for expanding mutual investments, Khoshimova highlighted the significant potential of industrial cooperation.
According to her, additional prospects remain in the agro-industrial sector, food processing, textiles, education and healthcare. She also pointed out that the geographic position of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan creates natural conditions for closer integration of the markets of Central Asia, the Caspian region, the South Caucasus and Europe. Commenting on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, Khoshimova noted that the Middle Corridor is gradually evolving from a transport route into an important economic link connecting regions.
According to the expert, further development of the route requires a comprehensive approach. She emphasized the special role of the Baku International Sea Trade Port in consolidating cargo flows from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries and facilitating their further movement along the Middle Corridor. As these connections develop, the cargo base oriented toward the Caspian and further toward the markets of the Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe may expand,” the expert said.
According to Khoshimova, the importance of the Middle Corridor goes beyond transit. Therefore, transport infrastructure is becoming one of the key factors shaping broader economic interdependence among the countries of the region,” she noted. Speaking about the role of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the expert said that the two countries represent one of the most dynamic partnerships within the organization.
According to her, investment cooperation is one of the key areas of focus. At the same time, multilateral financial infrastructure is developing within the OTS framework, including the Turkic Investment Fund,” the expert noted. She added that cooperation between Baku and Tashkent also contributes to the development of the Middle Corridor, expansion of trade ties, improvement of tariff policies and the introduction of digital solutions.
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