Caspian Subsea Cable Project to Enhance Middle Corridor Connectivity

• •A subsea cable project aims to strengthen the Middle Corridor's digital infrastructure.
• •The initiative promotes regional integration across Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
• •Harmonizing regulatory frameworks is crucial for effective data exchange and AI development.

AzerTelecom CEO Ana Nakashidze announced a planned subsea cable across the Caspian Sea, aimed at enhancing the Middle Corridor's development during a seminar at the 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors. The project is expected to foster regional integration and cooperation, extending its benefits beyond Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Nakashidze emphasized the importance of harmonizing regulatory frameworks to facilitate seamless data exchange across jurisdictions. The initiative is part of a broader 'Digital Silk Road' concept, which aims to attract global cloud service providers and build competitive AI ecosystems. Countries in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific are increasingly seeking to integrate into these digital flows to boost innovation and economic growth. The project reflects a shift from isolated infrastructure to coordinated digital ecosystems, which may take years to fully realize.