Azerbaijan-Italy round table discusses strategic economic cooperation

A round table discussion between Azerbaijan and Italy took place in Rome, as part of  President Ilham Aliyev's working visit to Italy.

Co-organized by the Azerbaijani Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria), the event received support from Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, Caliber.Az reports.

The round table was attended by high-level officials and approximately 40 entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including energy, chemicals, automotive manufacturing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, metallurgy, construction, and food production.

Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov underscored the strategic importance of Azerbaijan-Italy relations, noting that Italy is Azerbaijan’s largest trading partner. He emphasized the significance of enhancing multifaceted economic cooperation, citing the successful operations of numerous Italian firms across various sectors of Azerbaijan’s economy, including in recently liberated areas.

The discussions aimed to further strengthen bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Italian Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso and Confindustria President Emanuele Orsini highlighted the strategic energy partnership between the two nations and explored potential developments in non-oil sectors. 

Other speakers included Yusuf Abdullayev, Executive Director of AZPROMO; Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA); Ulvi Mansurov, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Investment Company; and Elkin Nurmamadov, Vice-Rector of ADA University. They provided insights into Azerbaijan's export and investment potential and discussed mutually beneficial projects.

During the event, several memoranda of understanding were signed, including agreements between AZPROMO and Confindustria, as well as Italian firm Dromont Comec and Mətanət A, Leonardo Electronics and Improtex Industries, Visionnaire – IPA, Biesse S.P.A, and Saloğlu. These agreements cover various areas, including joint production and service initiatives, research projects, and knowledge exchange.

The visit also featured meetings between Azerbaijani delegation members and representatives from the Italian Trade Agency, Annatura (a company specializing in agricultural and food technologies), Scorpio Group, and the Italian agricultural firm Coldiretti. These discussions centered on the prospects for mutually advantageous cooperation.