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The end of the previous era in the history of the republic associated with restoring territorial integrity and removing the separatist regime was declared by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on January 10. The turn of the era is the time to evaluate future prospects and summarize net results.
Vestnik Kavkaza discussed with chief specialist, expert of the department of international interaction of the Autonomous non-profit organisation “Directorate of International Transport Corridors” Natalia Zadonskaya Azerbaijan’s achievements over the past decades in one of the key economic spheres - transport and logistics.
- Natalia Sergeevna, how do you assess the transport infrastructure development in Azerbaijan in the 21st century?
- First, in the beginning of the 21st century, Azerbaijan has been purposefully developing its policy in terms of transport and logistics. The Republic does not deviate from its projects and consistently implements them. Among the examples are the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the North-South International Transport Corridor, the Azerbaijani part of which is completely ready. Getting the projects done and running is the most important thing for countries and companies looking to work with Azerbaijan in transport and logistics.
The republic's infrastructure strategy highlights the importance of maximizing its potential and constructing roads in all possible directions for cargo movement through its territories. Baku is participating in the development of corridors with the Russian Federation and Türkiye, as well as with European countries. Thus, the Azerbaijani authorities exhibit a broader view of the world and an understanding that it is beneficial not to be tied to one country, but to develop transport links with all partners.
It is obvious, that this consistent policy continues. In particular, the program developed by President Ilham Aliyev to open and develop a new regional route, the Zangezur corridor, is being actively implemented. Baku is doing everything necessary to launch the Zangezur corridor and adheres to this program in both political and economic decisions. Over the years, the focus and consistency of the Azerbaijani authorities in the development of transport infrastructure is only growing. In this area, as in many others, Baku demonstrates political will and courage.
- In your opinion, how did Azerbaijan achieve these results?
- I believe that this is the accomplishment of the top leadership, President Ilham Aliyev. Firstly, his political will necessary for the successful implementation of such large-scale projects.
Secondly, he has the ability to negotiate with all the states that surround Azerbaijan, and I mean not only the closest neighbors, but also the countries of the Near and Middle East and Central Asia in general. With Ilham Aliyev, Baku always manages to find a common language with its partners.
Thirdly, Ilham Aliyev, understanding the importance of transport and logistics projects, always provides them with sufficient funding. Thus, his role in Azerbaijan’s infrastructural successes is a key.
I would like to add that the “Directorate of International Transport Corridors” monitors the development of logistics in the South Caucasus, and we constantly see how the President of Azerbaijan personally controls the construction and participates in the opening of new infrastructure facilities - sections of roads and railways, airports and so on. That is, he is involved in all these creative processes.
- In your opinion, what transport and logistics challenges does Azerbaijan face in the new era?
- Foremost, this is the infrastructure restoration, as well as the establishment of linear and permanent transport and logistics services. Other participants in transport corridors need to work in constant contact with Azerbaijan. For example, from time to time, we have issues on the Azerbaijani-Iranian border, and for Russian carriers it is extremely important that not only Azerbaijan makes decisions, but also Iran interacts with it to carry out cargo transportation through border checkpoints. In particular, we are asking for the management of digital services, which falls within the broad objective of restoring and enhancing the infrastructure.
