The Uzbek-Azerbaijani business forum in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent resulted in the signing of several strategic cooperation agreements across key sectors, including energy, education, logistics, and construction. Notably, the forum facilitated the establishment of twinning relations between the cities of Jizzakh (Uzbekistan) and Guba (Azerbaijan), as well as Shakhrisabz (Uzbekistan) and Beylagan (Azerbaijan). These outcomes are expected to significantly enhance bilateral ties and promote collaboration between the two nations.
The forum, organized by the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and Uzbekistan’s Agency for Attracting Foreign Investments, attracted up to 300 entrepreneurs from various sectors, including construction, industry, agriculture, automotive, transport and logistics, healthcare, and tourism. The event was supported by the Ministries of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan and the Economy of Azerbaijan, with key addresses from Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikail Jabbarov and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov.
Participants at the forum emphasized the importance of enhancing economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The forum highlighted the dynamic growth in mutual trade and investment relations, supported by recent state visits and high-level engagements. The successful implementation of joint initiatives and the identification of new projects were also key discussion points.
A central focus of the forum was the development of investment cooperation across multiple sectors. The joint Roadmap on expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation for 2024-2025 outlines projects in agriculture, tourism, construction, pharmaceuticals, and the automotive industry. The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company, with an authorized capital of $500mn, was highlighted as a crucial entity, currently assessing the financing of 15 joint projects. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this investment company.
Discussions at the forum also addressed the successful cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in regional transport and energy initiatives. The export of green energy from Central Asia to Europe via Azerbaijan was emphasized as a key area of collaboration. Additionally, the forum highlighted the favourable investment and business environment in Azerbaijan, particularly in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions.
Earlier, it was reported that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, accompanied by his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva, arrived in Tashkent on August 22. The delegation was received at the airport by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.
President Aliyev’s visit to Uzbekistan included discussions with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, participation in the inaugural meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, and engagements with the private sector representatives of both Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
