Freight Flow Transparency: TRACECA and Alat Free Economic Zone Building Data Exchange

During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for establishing hands-on interaction between the PS IGC TRACECA and the AFEZ Authority, as well as the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation defining the main areas of joint work.

Particular attention was paid to the exchange of information and data between the two entities. The parties considered the possibility of establishing a regular exchange of information on the type and nature of cargo transported along the TRACECA route, which would help to enhance freight flow transparency, provide a more accurate assessment of the corridor's potential, and formulate more justified proposals for cargo owners, carriers and investors.

The Secretary General presented TRACECA's initiatives aimed at developing the Europe – Caucasus – Asia corridor, as well as the Secretariat's efforts to simplify transport procedures and promote multimodal transport. In particular, it was noted that TRACECA member states are consistently working on the Main Provisions of the TRACECA Business Council, intended to serve as a platform for engaging the private sector in the implementation of projects along the corridor, as well as on the TRACECA Corporate Partnership Programme.

For his part, Mr. Valeh Alasgarov provided information on the progress of the Alat Free Economic Zone and its opportunities for investors and participants in the transport and logistics market.

Following the exchange of views, the parties noted a shared approach to the development of the region's transport and logistics potential.

For reference:

The Alat Free Economic Zone is located in close proximity to the Baku International Sea Trade Port, at the intersection of the East – West and North – South international transport corridors. The approved General Plan of the zone covers 719 hectares; a total of approximately 6,500 hectares of territory has been allocated for AFEZ, with more than 1,000 hectares reserved for future expansion.

A logistics centre covering an area of 5 hectares, with an annual capacity of 500,000 tonnes of cargo transported by road, operates within the zone, and access to railway infrastructure is also provided. Construction of a new international airport is ongoing: the cargo and business terminals are scheduled to be put into operation no later than the first quarter of 2027, with an initial capacity of 500,000 tonnes of cargo per year, to be subsequently increased to 1.5 million tonnes per year.

For more information: www.afez.az