Trade between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan reached $533mn in 2024, with Kazakhstan expressing readiness to boost non-commodity exports to Azerbaijan by over $340mn. Strengthening economic ties was a key focus during Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s official visit to Baku, where he met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

Discussions covered trade, transport, and logistics, with an emphasis on expanding cooperation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. 

Over the past year, cargo transportation along this route increased by 62%, reaching 4.5mn tons. The integration of the Digital Trade Corridor platform between the two countries’ railways has also been completed, streamlining cross-border trade. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to raising bilateral trade turnover.

Following the talks, several agreements were signed, including a strategic project to design and construct a submarine fiber-optic communication line along the Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan route. The initiative aims to enhance data transmission between Asia and Europe, improving the reliability of digital connectivity.

The visit also highlighted cultural and humanitarian cooperation, with Azerbaijan recognizing Kazakhstan’s contributions to the restoration of Karabakh. 

In December, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan formalized a key agreement to establish a “green energy corridor” to Europe. The deal, signed via video link was endorsed by the leaders of the three countries’ main power grid operators: Azerbaijan’s Azerenerji, Kazakhstan’s KEGOC, and Uzbekistan’s National Electric Grids. 

This agreement builds on a prior commitment made on November 13 by the three presidents to enhance electricity trade, aligning with initiatives like the European Union’s Green Deal.