Central Asia and Azerbaijan transport connectivity efforts

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are pursuing initiatives to enhance transport connectivity and economic integration across Central Asia and the Caspian region.

In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed partnerships with Bavarian businesses to develop industrial and logistics hubs along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). These efforts include seeking integration into the semiconductor and microelectronics value chain through the Bavarian Chips Alliance.

Azerbaijan is working with Central Asian nations to reshape the Eurasian transport and communication landscape. During the CAMCA 2026 Regional Forum in Baku, Hikmat Hajiyev, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, stated that the integration of Azerbaijan into the Central Asian space represents a “new phase of cooperation,” creating a new geoeconomic and geopolitical identity for the Caspian region. He noted that both Azerbaijan and Central Asian nations are landlocked and are working to establish connections linking China to the West.

Digital infrastructure is also a growing priority through the “Digital Silk Way” route. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are advancing a Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable project, expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The project includes a 380-kilometer undersea cable between Sumqait and Aktau. Deputy Minister Reshad Hasanov noted the project aims to transform Azerbaijan into a regional digital hub where digital services can be exported similarly to energy. To increase resilience, AzerTelecom CEO Ana Nakashidze indicated the company is considering a second undersea cable, while emphasizing the need for regional legal harmonization regarding digital assets and undersea infrastructure.