Azerbaijan’s Contribution to the Chinese Belt & Road Initiative

Babayev, Bahruz and Ismailzade, Fariz (2020): Azerbaijan’s Contribution to the Chinese Belt & Road Initiative. Published in: Policy Outputs, University of Kent No. GCRF COMPASS Policy Brief (13 May 2020): pp. 1-10.

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was initiated by the Chinese government in 2013 to promote regional trade and increase Chinese political and economic presence in the region. The main instrument for realising the ambition of this initiative is the Chinese provision of financial support to the countries located on the Ancient Silk Road to implement infrastructure projects. It includes the construction of roads, railroads, seaports, logistic centres, and communication facilities. Azerbaijan is a BRI partner country in the South Caucasus strategically located between Asia and Europe. It can play the role of a strategic partner and hub connecting China with the Middle East and Europe. The paper finds out that China accepts Azerbaijan as a reliable partner. Azerbaijan perceives BRI as a promising initiative. The Azerbaijani government has a political will and the capacity to contribute to the BRI. By offering some key recommendations, the paper concludes that China and Azerbaijan should closely work to strengthen the BRI's influence in Central Asia and South Caucasus and priorities the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) passing through Azerbaijan.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Belt & Road Initiative, China, Azerbaijan, integration, trade, and investment
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F1 - Trade > F15 - Economic Integration

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