Uzbekistan plans to create a joint fleet on the Caspian Sea and a joint venture between Uztemiryulkargo JSC and the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO).

Axar.az informs that Khurram Teshabayev, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, said this in an interview with Repоrt.

"These initiatives will improve the efficiency of multimodal transport, make supply chains more resilient, and reduce logistics costs for exporters," he noted.

According to him, work continues with Azerbaijani partners to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.

Specifically, additional support measures for Uzbek exporters are being discussed, including discounts on cargo transshipment, the implementation of comprehensive tariff solutions, the optimization of logistics procedures, and the provision of priority services for containerized and export cargo, the deputy minister added.

"The Port of Baku already plays a pivotal role in providing Uzbek exports with access to international markets via the Middle Corridor and has become one of the region's strategically important logistics hubs for strengthening transit connectivity.

We highly value the efficiency of its infrastructure for Uzbek exporters. In recent years, cargo volumes along this route have grown steadily, the range of exported goods has expanded, and cooperation between the transport and logistics operators of our two countries has continued to deepen," he added.