Azerbaijan Leads Central Asian Economic and Digital Integration

Azerbaijan is spearheading the creation of a single economic space with Central Asian nations to link Asia and Europe via Türkiye. Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan's Economy Minister, announced the initiative at the CAMCA 2026 Regional Forum in Baku, stating the goal is to increase regional trade turnover to $20 billion and launch joint production under a "Made in Central Asia" brand. To support this, Azerbaijan has established joint investment funds with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, retaining at least a 50% share in each.

Infrastructure development is progressing through both physical and digital channels. A 380-kilometer subsea fiber-optic cable between Sumgayit, Azerbaijan, and Aktau, Kazakhstan, is expected to be operational within a month as part of the "Digital Silk Way" project. Additionally, the Zangezur Corridor is identified as a critical link to integrate mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the broader Middle Corridor.

To further enhance trade efficiency, Azerbaijan is working to integrate its national digital single-window system with other Middle Corridor countries. Fariz Aliyev, head of the Department of Transport Policy at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, noted that synchronization of physical infrastructure and interoperability across procedural, legal, and digital systems are essential for sustained growth. Aliyev stated that expanding the digital system to the corridor level will increase its attractiveness for private sector users.