Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad: the iron ground for the silk road. Future opportunities and prospects: [study]

Abstract

This study is a second publication on the theme, which analyzes Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad project. The first publication "Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railroad: The Iron Ground for the Silk Road", was prepared and published in 2014. General issues of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad as a strategic project of Azerbaijan were analysed in the first publication. Besides, the publication was more concentrated on Indian view of Silk Road. This new book continued the work started by the first one and focused more on Chinese initiative of Silk Road. The authors analyses what further actions could be taken and what legal instruments could be applied that this strategic project would create a maximum economic value. The main field work was performed during 2014, when lawyer Dr Evaldas Klimas was a visiting researcher at Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan collaborating with economist PhD candidate Mahir Humbatov. To ensure success of the analysed strategic project, the authors of the book concentrated on present economic, political, industrial, social, legal situation in Azerbaijan and considered worldwide trends and tendencies. The authors paid attention to regulation of Free Economic Zones and opportunities which could be provided by Public Private Partnerships and concessions institutes. Besides, the book covered all the associated projects in Azerbaijan including Baku International Sea Trade Port, Baku International Airport, several industrial zones and estates. As a case example Lithuanian experience also was touched upon in the book and Klaipeda port was analysed in details. The study is dedicated to all who are interested in this specific project Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad and its global impact. It is also dedicated to other subjects, planning infrastructural strategic projects, as well to students of law and economics schools, who intend to increase their understanding in FEZ, PPP and concessions institutes.