The visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Azerbaijan is of great importance not only for economy and trade but also for the development of transport and logistics connections, Uzbek Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov said in an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV, EDnews reports.

"Today, one of the several corridors through which transportation from Uzbekistan is carried out – the Middle Corridor passing through Azerbaijan is used for export-import trade and cargo transportation," the minister added.

According to him, based on the agreement reached with the Azerbaijani side, discounts on container and railway transportation passing through this country have been extended until the end of next year: "Currently, discounts of up to 70 percent on container and railway transportation are in effect, and as a result of the Mr. president's visits, we have managed to extend these discounts until 2026."

Makhkamov also stated that Uzbekistan is preparing to deploy its own ferries in the Caspian Sea to prevent cargo delays:

"We are also conducting negotiations and work regarding ferry operations by Uzbekistan companies, taking into account the increase in cargo transportation in the Caspian Sea. Currently, there are waiting times and cargo delays of up to 30-40 days for ferry routes in the Caspian Sea. Therefore, Uzbekistan companies, together with Turkish companies, have decided to carry out ferry operations in the Caspian Sea."

He added that the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project will allow for additional transit volume between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: "We have already reached an agreement on expanding and modernizing the infrastructure – we are ready for this issue."