John Alderdice: UK ready to invest in projects along Middle Corridor

The UK Export Finance (UKEF) has already completed its first deal in the aviation sector of Azerbaijan and is currently studying projects to modernize port and railway infrastructure in Kazakhstan and Georgia, UK Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, member of the House of Lords, John Alderdice, said at a conference on Caspian region transport connectivity held in London, Report informs.

He noted that London's interest in infrastructure projects along the Middle Corridor - a strategic route connecting Asia with Europe via Kazakhstan, the South Caucasus and Türkiye - is growing rapidly.

"The development of the Middle Corridor should become a priority for all countries in the region. This direction promises colossal economic benefits for the entire Euro-Caspian space," Alderdice emphasized.

According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to fully unlock the potential of the Middle Corridor, about 18.5 billion euros in investments in the so-called hard infrastructure - expansion of ports, renewal of rolling stock and construction of logistics centers - will be required.

Alderdice also noted that soft connectivity plays an equally important role - unification of trade standards, digitalization of procedures and simplification of customs formalities.

In 2024, the volume of cargo transportation along the TITR increased by 62%, reaching 4.5 million tons. In 2025, a further increase to 5.2 million tons is expected, of which 4.2 million tons will pass through the countries participating in the route.

Of this volume, 2.5 million tons will be dry cargo (equivalent to 96,000 TEU), and 1.7 million tons will be oil. The route’s capacity may reach 10 million tons per year by 2027, which will create a sustainable basis for expanding Azerbaijan’s transit potential and attracting additional investment in infrastructure.