Logistic In AZERBAIJAN

Integration of Syria into the International Logistics Network via Azerbaijan

New Transit Corridors through Azerbaijan: Syria → Azerbaijan → China / Europe

Overview

In response to evolving global trade dynamics and the growing need for diversified and cost-efficient supply chains, Syria has an emerging opportunity to integrate with Azerbaijan’s advanced logistics infrastructure. This integration would allow Syria to become part of the Middle Corridor, linking China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe, while bypassing the congested and politically sensitive maritime routes such as the Suez Canal.

The Astara border crossing and the Zangezur Logistics Center serve as pivotal transit points, enabling multimodal transport operations connecting Syria with Eurasian trade networks.

Inbound Transit to Syria from China and Russia

Proposed Route:
Kazakhstan → Turkmenistan → Caspian Sea → Baku (Alat Port) → Zangezur (Azerbaijan) → Syria

Transport Modes:

1. Rail: Cargo from China and Russia moves by rail to the Caspian coast.

2. Sea: Goods are shipped across the Caspian Sea to Baku Alat Port.

3. Rail/Road: From Baku, shipments continue by rail to Zangezur, then by road into Syria via the South Caucasus corridor.

Key Advantages:

• Shorter transit time compared to Suez Canal or Black Sea routes.

• Duty-free and secure corridor for Syrian imports from China.

• Integrated transport infrastructure across Azerbaijan ensures cost efficiency and reliability.

Outbound Shipments from Syria to China and Europe

Proposed Route:
Syria → Zangezur (Azerbaijan) → Baku → Georgia / Caspian Sea → Europe / China

Transport Modes:

1. Road: Exports from Syria move by road to Azerbaijan.

2. Rail: From Zangezur to Baku via Azerbaijan Railways.

3. From Baku:

   • To Europe: via the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars Railway through Georgia and Türkiye.

   • To China: via Caspian Sea shipping and rail links through Central Asia.

   • To Russia: via northern rail connections.

Key Advantages:

• Direct access to European and Asian markets.

• Integration with the Middle Corridor and Eurasian rail network.

• Efficient multimodal transport (road–rail–sea) through Azerbaijan.

Zangezur Logistics Center: A Key Transit Hub

Located on Azerbaijan’s border, the Zangezur Logistics Center integrates rail and road transport, supported by modern customs and warehousing infrastructure.

Features:

• High-capacity multimodal terminal connecting Baku and Syria-bound corridors.

• Azerbaijan Railways provides rapid, cost-effective freight movement.

• Facilitates transshipment, storage, and customs clearance for Syrian cargo.

Strategic Gains for Syria

DimensionStrategic Benefit

Alternative & Secure CorridorEnsures stable and continuous trade route through politically secure territories.

Time & Cost EfficiencyUp to 30% faster transit from China; lower freight and customs costs vs. Suez route.

Logistics Hub DevelopmentEnhances Syria’s potential as a regional cargo and intermodal hub.

Economic DiversificationStrengthens trade links with Azerbaijan, Central Asia, and Türkiye.

Geopolitical IntegrationEmbeds Syria within Eurasian trade architecture, reducing isolation and dependency on maritime routes.

Azerbaijan: Syria’s Gateway to Eurasia

Through strategic collaboration with Azerbaijan, Syria can:

• Accelerate imports from China and Russia.

• Expand exports to Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

• Integrate with the Middle Corridor and Trans-Caspian logistics system.

This initiative would transform Syria from a peripheral destination market into a regional logistics and re-export hub, reinforcing its role in Eurasian connectivity and trade diversification.