Azerbaijan.US
Economic interaction between Azerbaijan and Armenia is showing early signs of recovery, as practical trade and transit steps follow years of disruption.
Speaking on a regional affairs program, economist Elmir Safarli said recent developments suggest a gradual shift from political stalemate toward pragmatic economic engagement. Among the latest steps are fuel deliveries from Azerbaijan to Armenia and the transit of grain shipments from Russia and Kazakhstan through Azerbaijani territory.
According to the expert, Baku has consistently signaled readiness to move the peace agenda forward not only diplomatically but through tangible economic actions. He noted that Armenia’s long-term development prospects depend on restoring commercial and logistical links with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia.
A central element in this process is the proposed Zangezur Corridor, which is viewed as a strategic link in the region’s transport network. Safarli argued that opening the corridor would reduce logistics costs, shorten delivery times, and strengthen Azerbaijan’s role as a transit hub connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Turkey, and Europe.
Fuel shipments, he added, carry both commercial and humanitarian significance. Initial consignments of AI-95 gasoline were delivered in December, followed by expanded volumes in January, including diesel fuel transported by rail. These steps, Seperli said, are intended to demonstrate that confidence-building measures can be backed by real economic cooperation.
The economist also pointed to the broader regional context, noting that the corridor could complement the Middle Corridor by offering an additional, more efficient route for goods moving from China and Central Asia toward European markets. Participation in such projects, he said, could provide Armenia with transit revenues and access to wider trade flows.
Safarli concluded that economic cooperation may become the next phase after key political issues are addressed, helping to stabilize the South Caucasus and create a foundation for longer-term peace through shared economic interests.
