17:19 - 5.07.2024

---

July 5, Fineko/abc.az. China attaches great importance to development of the Trans–Caspian International Transport Route (TITR - Middle Corridor).

ABC.AZ reports that Chinese charge d'affaires in Azerbaijan, Ding Tao, said about this during a press conference devoted to the results of the SCO Summit held in Astana.

The diplomat noted that the leaders of China and Azerbaijan signed two important documents during the meeting in Astana on July 3, one of which is aimed at developing the Middle Corridor, the second one relates to the joint development of China's initiative One Belt, One Road.

Ding Tao noted that since the beginning of 2024, more than 100 trains have been delivered from the Chinese cities of Chongqing, Xi'an, and Lianyungang to Azerbaijan via the Caspian Sea, which is almost 9-fold more than last year's figure. Since May 2024, one train has been departing from Chinese cities to Baku every day: "Currently, entrepreneurs from China and Azerbaijan are maintaining contacts to strengthen cooperation in the field of infrastructure and improve logistics efficiency."

China is ready to jointly promote the integration of the construction of the One Belt, One Road with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, together to protect the stability of the supply chain.

According to the diplomat, China's participation in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route project is fully consistent with Azerbaijan's strategy to develop the transport and logistics potential of the Middle Corridor.

Ding Tao also stressed that major Chinese ports are also discussing issues of cooperation with the Baku International Sea Trade Port.