Eugene Zhukov: ADB invested about $4 billion in Middle Corridor infrastructure development

Eugene Zhukov: ADB invested about $4 billion in Middle Corridor infrastructure development “The Middle Corridor is an alternative route between Europe and Asia, strategically vital in the face of changing geopolitical realities," Zhukov said.
Infrastructure
June 25, 2025 18:46
Eugene Zhukov: ADB invested about $4 billion in Middle Corridor infrastructure development

Since 2001, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has invested nearly $4 billion in the implementation of 24 infrastructure projects aimed at developing the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, TITR), covering road and rail infrastructure across Central Asia and the South Caucasus, Eugene Zhukov, Director General of ADB's Regional Department for Central and West Asia, said during a seminar dedicated to TITR held as part of the 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing.

“The Middle Corridor is an alternative route between Europe and Asia, strategically vital in the face of changing geopolitical realities. Recent external shocks have only strengthened its strategic significance. ADB sees TITR as a key link between Asia and Europe,” Zhukov noted.

According to him, ADB is actively cooperating with AIIB to develop transport and energy connectivity in the region. Among the joint initiatives are the Batumi bypass road project in Georgia and the proposed “Green Energy Corridor” across the Caspian Sea, which will contribute to sustainable energy supply and environmentally friendly transport.

It is worth noting that in 2024, cargo shipments along TITR increased by 62%, reaching 4.5 million tons. In 2025, this figure is expected to grow to 5.2 million tons, with 4.2 million tons transported through the participating countries. Of this volume, 2.5 million tons will be dry cargo (equivalent to 96,000 TEU), and 1.7 million tons will be oil.

By 2027, the corridor’s capacity may reach 10 million tons per year, creating a solid foundation for expanding Azerbaijan’s transit potential and attracting additional infrastructure investments.

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