Development Prospects of Azerbaijan as a
Regional Logistics Center
Kamran Shirinzade
Abstract. The purpose of this study is to examine the readiness of Azerbaijan's logistics infrastructure for the Silk Road project, compare its competitiveness with alternative routes in terms of cost and delivery time, and identify the steps required to provide competitive services. The study makes extensive use of research conducted by international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as information published by the State Statistics Committee, the Baku International Trade Port, and Azerbaijan Railways CJSC. The first section provides an overview of the transport corridors proposed under the Silk Road project, particularly the East–West Transport Corridor passing through Azerbaijan, and examines the trade, logistics, and economic opportunities created by the project, as well as the role of logistics quality in increasing GDP and improving welfare. The second section discusses the initiatives and infrastructure implemented by Azerbaijan within the framework of the Silk Road project, including the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars Railway and the Baku International Trade Port. The third section compares the objectives set out in the 2016 Strategic Road Map for the Development of Logistics and Trade with the current statistical situation.
Keywords: Land Silk Road, logistics infrastructure, Baku, free trade, seaport, transportation