Azerbaijani minister on Zangazur corridor’s pivotal role for Belt & Road project

Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov addressed the second online Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference in China’s Qingdao city, Report informs, citing the ministry.

Parviz Shahbazov noted that Azerbaijan plays the role of an "important bridge" between China and Europe via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, the North-South international transport, and the Trans-Caspian transit corridor. He added that the new Zangazur corridor, initiated by Azerbaijan, will further be conducive to the strategic importance of the Belt and Road project.

The minister added that Azerbaijan is an important partner in the development of energy cooperation along this corridor, with global energy pipelines, diversified energy resources, and the role in ensuring Europe’s energy security and favorable investment opportunities.

Parviz Shahbazov also spoke about the development of renewable energy sources, reforms in the energy efficiency sector, projects in the pipeline, and the measures to establish a green energy zone in the liberated territories. He noted that the auctions for renewable energy projects, as well as the potential of wind energy in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea in the amount of 157 GW, will create new opportunities for investors, including sustainable energy cooperation with China.