(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 14. The
development of the transport sector is becoming increasingly
important in the current times. Transport routes have recently
become more important due to the introduction of restrictive
measures and the emergence of new opportunities.
The geographical position of Azerbaijan provides
additional prospects for the development of this industry. A
systematic policy is already being implemented in the country to
modernize the infrastructure.
However, the increased volume of cargo transportation
requires further development of transport routes and the creation
of production sites for business and investment. Azerbaijan
provides assistance to neighboring countries in solving such
transport problems.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev
noted in his speech at the meeting dedicated to the socio-economic
results of the first half of this year the growing importance of
the transport sector, measures promoting the opening of new
transport routes, and the favorable geographical position of
Azerbaijan.
"Regarding our duties in other areas, I can say that
the importance of the transport sector has been growing, especially
recently. Because some restrictive measures have led to the opening
of new transport routes, and Azerbaijan's favorable geographical
situation certainly creates additional opportunities for us. As you
know, we have been pursuing a consistent policy for the development
of the transport sector for many years. We have completely
modernized the entire infrastructure in our territory in accordance
with the requirements of the earlier period. But today the demand
has further increased. Because the cargo is increasing, whilst
transport routes are limited, as I mentioned. An increase in cargo
transportation from North to South and the other way round, from
East to West and vice versa is obvious. Here too, Azerbaijan acts
as a very reliable partner, is in close contact with its neighbors
and does not spare help in solving the transport problems of the
neighbors. At the same time, this area is one of our priority
areas," President Ilham Aliyev said.
"If we look at the history of the formation of
transport networks in the South Caucasus region, we can easily see
that territory of Azerbaijan has played a communicative role since
ancient times," Doctor of Philosophy in Economics Ilgar Velizade
told trend .
"Azerbaijan is trying not only to play the role of a
transit country, but also to create production sites on its
territory in order to ensure the integration of its economy into
the system of regional and international economic relations, and
also to form clusters for the development of production centers on
its territory, using a high degree of communication," he said.
The creation of the Alat Free Economic Zone and the
corresponding industrial parks contributes to the development of
the non-oil sector of the Azerbaijani economy and the formation of
the basis for the development of industrial production with the
participation of international foreign funding, he added.
Velizade noted that transport components are important
parts of the infrastructure necessary for business development.
"It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan, along with
major land transport projects, is implementing a large-scale
program for the construction of international airports, which
increases the accessibility of our region for foreign investors and
tourists. This is the basis for the development of business and
foreign economic relations of Azerbaijan," Velizade said.
“Therefore, on the territory of the Karabakh Economic Region and
the East Zangazur Economic Region, the formation of a transport
network makes it possible to use the economic potential of these
regions most effectively and attract international investors
here."
President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan has
recently managed to expand its transport capabilities beyond its
borders.
“I should also note that we were recently able to
expand our transportation capabilities beyond our borders, first of
all, in the Black Sea. Three large tankers have been purchased,
each with a capacity of 115,000 tons. This is the first time in the
history of Azerbaijan and that was done on my instruction. Tankers
were named Shusha, Karabagh and Zangezur. Transportation of
Azerbaijani goods by an Azerbaijani company will bring us
additional revenues, and we are already present in the Black Sea.
We were already there anyway. We had small ships, but today three
of our largest tankers,“Afromax” tankers, are already operating in
the Black Sea. If necessary, we can increase their number,"
President Ilham Aliyev said.
Velizade pointed out that Azerbaijan is one of the
initiators of the creation of the Caspian Sea - Black Sea corridor
projects.
"Azerbaijani vessels operate and are used in the Black
Sea transportation. The purchase of these vessels will increase the
volume of traffic and become a more effective communicator between
countries and regions. This allows Azerbaijan to effectively use
its transport and logistics capabilities, earn additional funds for
economic development," Velizade added.
“This is very important, because the next step may be
the presence of the Azerbaijani fleet not only in the Black Sea,
but also in the Mediterranean Sea, which will allow the country to
become an active participant in cargo transportation," he said.
According to economist Emin Garibli, the importance of
the routes passing through Azerbaijan is increasing every year. He
noted that investing in the transport sector, the use of new
technologies will bring even greater interest in the country's free
economic zones.
"It is necessary to increase the number of free
economic zones and advantages that are used in them today in order
to attract investment and increase competitiveness," Garibli
said.
The development of transport infrastructure and the
expansion of transport opportunities are important priorities for
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan strives to become not only a transit
platform, but also actively develop production facilities and
attract investment. The expansion of the tanker fleet in the Black
Sea and the revision of shipbuilding capabilities in the Caspian
Sea allow Azerbaijan to significantly increase cargo transportation
and strengthen its presence in the region.
Moreover, the adoption of strategic decisions on time,
such as the establishment of a shipyard and the expansion of the
possibilities of a commercial port, contribute to strengthening
Azerbaijan's position in international transport flows.
The upcoming negotiations and cooperation with partner
countries will increase the volume of cargo transportation through
Azerbaijan, contributing to the prosperity of regional and
international business.
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