BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. Azerbaijan intends to
deepen trade, economic, and investment cooperation with Central
Asian countries, including expanding joint projects in industry,
logistics, and infrastructure, Azerbaijan’s Trade Representative
for Central Asia, Samad Hasanov, said at the Eurasian Economic
Forum, Trend
reports.
According to him, Azerbaijan’s economic cooperation with the CIS
countries continues to strengthen, with trade turnover reaching
approximately $2 billion, while trade with Kazakhstan increased by
42% to $670 million.
“Azerbaijan’s Trade Mission in the region considers its key goal
to be facilitating the development of trade, economic, and
investment ties between Azerbaijan and the countries of Central
Asia,” Hasanov noted.
He added that investment cooperation is simultaneously
expanding, including mutual investments between Azerbaijan and
Kazakhstan, which exceed hundreds of millions and billions of
dollars, respectively.
“We are ready to continue to provide comprehensive support to
business circles in promoting joint projects and expanding mutual
trade,” he said.
According to him, significant attention is being paid to
developing industrial cooperation, including the construction of a
hot briquetted iron plant in Azerbaijan, valued at over $800
million, as well as existing logistics centers that ensure the
stability of trade chains in the region.
Special emphasis is placed on transport integration within the
Middle Corridor. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, as key participants in
the route, are considering plans to increase transportation volumes
to 10 million tons per year and approximately 500,000 containers by
2030, which should significantly enhance the transit potential of
Eurasia.
“Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are important participants in the
Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which is currently
becoming one of the key Eurasian transport arteries,” Hasanov
pointed out.
He emphasized that the country continues to develop the Baku
International Sea Trade Port, the Alat Free Economic Zone, and
industrial parks, creating a modern logistics and industrial
infrastructure.
According to him, an additional project support tool is the
joint Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan investment fund, established in 2023
with a capital of $300 million. It focuses on financing projects in
industry, logistics, digitalization, and processing.
Hasanov also highlighted Kazakhstan’s participation in the
restoration of Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, calling it an
important symbol of bilateral cooperation. Among the implemented
initiatives is the Kurmangazy Children’s Art Center in Fuzuli,
built with Kazakhstan’s support.
He added that the liberated territories are viewed as a
promising investment area, with tax and customs incentives
available for businesses for up to 10 years.
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