Azerbaijan has created a new reality that determines the economic architecture of the region. The opening of communications and the development of trade and economic ties will benefit both the region and certain countries. The opening of communications in the region can increase Azerbaijan's export by 1.2 billion manat ($705 million), non-oil GDP by two percent, processing industry by three percent, and mining industry by 2.7 percent.
The reintegration of the Nagorno-Karabakh region into the Azerbaijani economy in the medium term will have a positive impact on agriculture (an increase of 10.4 percent), tourism (an increase of 5.5 percent), the mining industry (an increase of 5.3 percent), transport services (an increase of 4.9 percent), manufacturing industry (an increase of 4.3 percent) and other services (an increase of 1.4 percent) while the formation of non-oil GDP as a whole will increase by 5.1 percent.
The opening of communications in the South Caucasus makes it possible to access the Iranian and Oman gulfs, as well as the Indian Ocean through the Iranian Bandar Abbas cargo port and the Istanbul-Islamabad railway line.
The Kars-Nakhchivan-Meghri-Zangilan-Baku railway line is important in terms of lifting the blockade of Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, reducing transport costs, increasing foreign trade opportunities, intensifying tourism sector and increasing passenger traffic, as well as attracting investments to the region.
Azerbaijan is promoting further integration of the Mediterranean and Caspian Basins along the Great Silk Road and the North-South International Transport Corridor, new transport opportunities are emerging between Central Asia and Europe, Turkey and Russia, Iran and Europe, as well as between Turkey and Central Asia.
The opening of communications in accordance with the new reality created by Azerbaijan in this region lays the foundation for peace, security, stability, prosperity and mutually beneficial cooperation, which means an inflow of investments and sustainable development.