Interview: China's economic growth to expand BRI, Middle Corridor capabilities, says Azerbaijani economist

BAKU, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's economic growth creates opportunities to expand the capabilities of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Middle Corridor, fostering regional benefits and broader participation, said Vugar Bayramov, an Azerbaijani economist and member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, in a written interview with Xinhua.

In 2025, China's economy expanded 5 percent to reach 140.19 trillion yuan (about 20.01 trillion U.S. dollars), hitting its annual target. Bayramov said that the growth and stability of China's economy -- the world's second-largest -- are vital for the development of the wider region, including the South Caucasus.

Within the framework of the BRI and the Middle Corridor, a wide array of regional infrastructure projects has been officially endorsed by China, with some receiving financial backing. Bayramov said that China's sustained economic resilience will continue to help attract more countries to participate in these connectivity efforts.

Acknowledging that uncertainty and tariffs continue to weigh on global growth, the expert said that China's vast market creates prospects for its trading partners to maintain stable import-export channels, strengthen regional economic cooperation, and expand logistics potential.

"The countries of the region, including Azerbaijan, have established strong cooperation with China in various fields, including transport and logistics. This cooperation allows for mutual benefits for the countries and their peoples," he said.

As a main driver of global economic growth, China promotes inclusive economic globalization and remains committed to building an open world economy, the expert said, adding that new development dividends generated by China benefit not only the global economy but also regional countries.

In recent years, trade volume between Azerbaijan and China has risen sharply, Bayramov said. He emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev's visit to China in 2025 saw the signing of a series of renewable energy contracts and the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

China's promotion of high-quality development through innovation and green transformation creates new opportunities for regional partners, Bayramov said, adding that China's achievements in green energy support the rapid and successful implementation of green transformation in regional countries, including Azerbaijan.

"As the development of the BRI and the Middle Corridor continues to gain momentum, China's strategic partnerships with regional countries will be steadily strengthened. This means deeper cooperation, enhanced ties, and stability in the region," he said. ■