In this interview with AZƏRTAC, Dr. Khayotjon Ibragimov, Leading Research Fellow at the Center for Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics, examines the growing strategic relevance of the Middle Corridor amid rising instability in the Middle East and mounting risks to traditional maritime trade routes. He argues that disruptions around key chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz have reinforced the urgent need for safer, more reliable, and geopolitically resilient overland connections across Eurasia. In this context, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is presented not merely as a promising initiative, but as an increasingly vital pillar of regional and global trade security. The interview also highlights the particular importance of the Middle Corridor for landlocked states, especially Uzbekistan, for which improved access to external markets is closely linked to economic sovereignty and long-term development. Dr. Ibragimov underscores that projects such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway could significantly strengthen Central Asia’s integration into transcontinental logistics chains, turning the region from a transit space into an emerging distribution and connectivity hub. He further notes that the corridor’s expansion is stimulating investment in infrastructure, port development, and customs digitalisation, thereby creating new opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Beyond its economic dimension, the interview frames the Middle Corridor as a platform of political stability and strategic cooperation. By linking the interests of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and other regional actors through shared transit revenues and common logistical priorities, the route contributes to stronger interdependence and encourages diplomatic approaches to regional challenges. As global uncertainty deepens, Dr.Ibragimov presents the Middle Corridor as a mechanism through which the countries of the region can reduce external vulnerabilities while securing a more influential place in the evolving architecture of Eurasian trade. Read on AZƏRTAC * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Dr. Abbos Bobokhonov provided his opinion in an interview for Bloomberg on the growing financial and investment cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. In his remarks, the expert highlighted the persistent infrastructure financing gap in the region, estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. In this context, Chinese investments are seen as an important source of long-term capital due to their flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of Central Asian states. The interview also emphasizes the steady increase in China’s foreign direct investment in Central Asia, as well as the expanding use of the yuan in financial instruments, including bond issuance, reflecting the deepening economic ties and the gradual transformation of the region’s financial architecture. Read on Bloomberg * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

An interview with Nargiza Umarova was held in the studio of Kun.uz. The discussion focused on the possible economic implications of escalating tensions around Iran for Uzbekistan. The expert noted that transport routes passing through Iran and Pakistan are of particular importance for Uzbekistan, as they provide access to seaports and international markets. In the context of regional instability, transport and insurance costs may increase, which could complicate logistics chains and affect the cost of cargo transportation. The interview also highlights Iran’s strategic importance for diversifying Uzbekistan’s foreign trade and transit routes. According to Nargiza Umarova, the development of alternative transport corridors and stronger regional cooperation remain key factors for maintaining the country’s economic resilience amid external risks. * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In an interview with News.Az, Nargiza Umarova, Head of the Center for Strategic Connectivity, shared her assessment of the current state and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. According to the expert, a key feature of bilateral relations is their allied status, formalized by the Treaty on Allied Relations signed in 2024. This format reflects a high level of mutual trust and creates additional opportunities for expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, industry, and investment. The interview also notes that one of the main priorities of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is the pursuit of geo-economic objectives, including the diversification of export markets and the development of new transport routes. In this context, Azerbaijan is viewed as an important partner capable of providing Uzbekistan with strategic access to new markets. Particular attention is given to the expansion of trade and investment cooperation. In recent years, bilateral trade has demonstrated steady growth, while the establishment of a $500 million joint investment fund has become an important mechanism for supporting joint projects in energy, petrochemicals, agriculture, and industry. The interview also highlights the importance of transport connectivity initiatives. Special emphasis is placed on the Middle Corridor and the multimodal route CASCA+, which connects Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Türkiye and contributes to the diversification of regional trade routes. Overall, according to Nargiza Umarova, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is developing on a pragmatic basis and is aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties, expanding transport connectivity, and promoting joint investment initiatives. Read the interview on News.Az * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Nargiza Umarova examines the strategic importance of Iran in the development of Eurasian transport connectivity, particularly within the framework of the Southern Railway Corridor linking Central Asia with Türkiye and European markets. Despite geopolitical tensions and sanctions pressures, Iran continues to play a pivotal role as a transit hub that connects Central Asian economies with maritime and continental trade routes. According to Ms. Umarova, the development of the corridor is not driven by Iran alone; Central Asian states, especially Uzbekistan, have also emerged as active stakeholders seeking to diversify logistics routes and reduce dependency on existing transport pathways. The analysis highlights Uzbekistan’s growing diplomatic and logistical engagement in advancing the corridor through both bilateral and multilateral consultations with regional partners. In particular, discussions between Uzbekistan, Iran and Türkiye within international platforms have focused on improving freight efficiency, harmonising tariffs and expanding railway cooperation. Regular coordination among railway administrations from China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Türkiye demonstrates that the Southern Corridor is gradually evolving from a conceptual project into a structured transport initiative supported by commercial and governmental actors. At the same time, Ms. Umarova emphasises that the corridor’s long-term viability depends on overcoming significant technical and infrastructural constraints. Among the main challenges are the difference in railway gauges between Iran and Central Asian states, the lack of unified documentation systems, limited interoperability of railway infrastructure and existing logistical bottlenecks along the route. Addressing these issues requires stronger institutional coordination, which is why the expert proposes the establishment of an intergovernmental coordinating body that would consolidate efforts of the participating countries and ensure systematic implementation of transport initiatives. Despite these challenges, the article underscores the considerable economic potential of the Southern Corridor. With an estimated capacity of up to 10 million tonnes of cargo annually potentially increasing to 15 million tonnes following infrastructure upgrades, the corridor could become one of the most important logistical links between Central Asia and Europe. Large-scale infrastructure investments in Iran, including the development of new railway corridors and projects connected to Afghanistan, further illustrate Tehran’s intention to strengthen its role in Eurasian connectivity networks and reinforce the region’s evolving transport architecture. Read on RailFreight * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

As Mukhammad Khodjanazarov notes, in recent years climate change has become not just an environmental phenomenon, but one of the most important factors shaping global socio-economic and political processes. Rising temperatures, decreased precipitation, uneven distribution of water resources, and land degradation are increasingly limiting the ability of millions of people to live and work. As a result, a new type of migration is emerging: climate migration. The author notes that this migration is fundamentally different from traditional labor migration. While economic migration often depends on an individual's choice, climate migration arises more as an environmental necessity. According to forecasts from international organizations, the scale of such migration is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades. In particular, according to the UN, by 2050, more than 200 million people worldwide may be forced to find a new place to live due to climatic conditions. The article emphasizes that factors such as water scarcity, drought, extreme heat waves, and land degradation pose a serious threat, especially to populations living in rural areas. In these conditions, agricultural productivity declines, sources of income shrink, and people are often forced to move to large cities or other countries. At the same time, the intensification of migration flows creates additional pressure on urban infrastructure, the housing market, the healthcare system, and the labor market. The author concludes that it is not enough to simply restrict climate migration or combat its consequences. The main task is to reduce environmental risks, efficiently manage water and agricultural resources, and develop a strategic adaptation policy that integrates migration into the economic system. In this way, migration processes linked to climate change can be transformed from a threat into an opportunity for sustainable development. Read on UzA * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.