The deepening of cooperation between our countries in the fields of trade, investment, industry, and agriculture was discussed, and a number of documents were signed at the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan business forum held in Baku.
Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan business forum was held in Baku. Representatives of companies operating in agriculture, food, textiles, pharmaceuticals, construction, tourism, logistics and other fields took part in the event in addition to state officials from both sides.
Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized at the business forum that the political will and joint efforts of the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have brought the relations between our countries to the level of strategic partnership. It was noted that more than 160 signed documents, including the Declaration on the deepening of strategic partnership and the development of comprehensive cooperation, create a solid bilateral legal framework. Cooperation with Uzbekistan is multi-vector and covers various areas of the economy, joint projects and mutual investments are carried out. The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Fund will make an important contribution to the further strengthening of economic relations, the stimulation of mutual investments, and the development of relations between the regions and business circles of our countries. The rapid development of mutual relations has a positive effect on the dynamics of trade. There is a large potential for increasing trade turnover and it is important to intensify initiatives in this area.
Information was provided at the event on the investment projects implemented within the framework of the partnership of business organizations of our countries, the work done in the field of joint automobile production and textile enterprises, and the creation of a cotton cluster in Azerbaijan. It was reported that effective cooperation is being implemented in the field of energy. One of the promising areas is transport. In this regard, the partnership of our countries within the framework of the Middle Corridor has great potential.
Information was provided at the business forum on the favorable investment environment of Azerbaijan, the implemented economic reforms, industrial zones, Alat Azad Economic Zone, projects implemented in our territories freed from occupation, opportunities created for investors, and it was emphasized that a school was built for 960 students by Uzbekistan in Fuzuli, and gratitude was expressed to the brotherly country for its participation in the reconstruction of our liberated territories. Opportunities for expanding partnership with Uzbek companies in industry, trade, energy, transport-logistics, agriculture, tourism and other areas were brought to attention.
Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov pointed out that the strategic approaches of our heads of state make an important contribution to the development of cooperation between our countries with common historical roots and values in all directions, economic and trade partnership with Azerbaijan is strengthening. It was stated that against the background of the expansion of cooperation, it is important to organize business meetings between entrepreneurs, explore new cooperation directions and opportunities, and implement joint projects. Azerbaijan's favorable business and investment environment is attractive for Uzbek entrepreneurs and increases the incentive for partnership.
Yusif Abdullayev, head of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan - AZPROMO, Murat Mirzayev, director of the Investment Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, and Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Management Board of the authorized body of the Alat Free Economic Zone of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan made presentations on the investment and trade opportunities of the free economic zone at the event. Also, Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency under the Ministry of Economy expressed his views on the activity of the institution headed by him, the possibilities of expanding relations between the business circles of the two countries and Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Davron Vahabov, expressed his views on the development of business relations, the creation of a business council by involving entrepreneurs operating in various fields. Ilkhom Haydarov, the head of "Uzbektekstilprom" Association, informed about the activity of the institution and the projects implemented jointly in Azerbaijan.
Documents were signed within the framework of the business forum, between the institutions of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan on cooperation in the fields of metallurgy, accreditation, energy and pharmaceuticals.
The event was continued with meetings in B2B format.
