BSTDB: Investment gap in Middle Corridor projects reaches $30–35 billion

The investment shortfall in projects related to the development of the Middle Corridor is currently estimated at $30–35 billion, Ziya Aliyev, Vice President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB), said at the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026).

"Speaking about the Middle Corridor, we are dealing with a large-scale and strategically significant investment space. According to preliminary estimates, the overall investment gap in this area stands at $30–35 billion," he said.

The BSTDB vice president noted that the capacity of national governments, domestic capital markets and regional financial institutions is insufficient to independently and fully close the existing investment gap.

"Therefore, the role of international financial institutions (IFIs) and multilateral development banks becomes critically important, with their resources viewed as a key source of investment. At this stage, governments and state agencies across the region are actively negotiating and strengthening cooperation with IFIs to secure the required level of financing," Aliyev said.