Synergy of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway with the Trans-Siberian Railway is profitable for both Russia and Azerbaijan, Russian expert Ivan Pyatibratov said.
‘If we are talking about the importance of the BTK for Russia, of course, its political advantage comes first. Some experts earlier said that it is an ‘anti-Russia’ project because it does not pass through Russia’s territory. However, this infrastructure will be included in the Trans-Siberian ecosystem. This enhances Russia’s influence in the Near East, as well as a mutual activity between Russia and Azerbaijan. Trade links connect the governments more. Along with this, Russia is ready to build a broad-gauge railway for the BTK. This shows Russia’s interest in this cooperation,’ the expert said.
According to him, Azerbaijan will have an economic advantage from integration to the Trans-Siberian railway: ‘The question on BTK’s rentability over cargo turnover was eliminated. The BTK is effective and influential. The project was firstly designed to transport Chinese products to the west and will operate on its design. Chinese products prevail in the turnover of Trans-Siberian railway.’
Expert Ivan Pyatibratov:
"The question on BTK’s rentability over cargo turnover was eliminated. The BTK is effective and influential. The project was firstly designed to transport Chinese products to the west and will operate on its design. Chinese products prevail in the turnover of Trans-Siberian railway."
İvan PyatibratovРоссийский эксперт Иван Пятибратов
‘Despite the fact that the shortest route from Asia to Europe passes through Azerbaijan, the practice of long-term transportation over sea and Russia draws the incline the suppliers to the traditional ways. Therefore, the question ‘when will the regular good flow start?’ will depend on the solution of the issue on the convenience of the use of the BTK. However, Russia’s joining the issue will accelerate the process. This is, of course, the development of the processes. As the significance of the Near East increases, a joint activity of Russia and Azerbaijan is essential,’ Pyatibratov said.