Azerbaijan pledges support for Slovak business initiatives, minister says

The Azerbaijani government is ready to provide comprehensive support to initiatives if Slovak businesses consider projects in Slovakia itself or joint ventures with Slovak companies in third countries, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov has stated.

Speaking at the Azerbaijani-Slovak Business Forum, he said Azerbaijan truly encourages them to explore opportunities for stronger business ties, Caliber.Az reports.

“I would like to note that Slovakia is regarded as an important partner for Azerbaijan. Should you consider projects in Slovakia itself or joint ventures with Slovak companies in third countries, the Azerbaijani government stands ready to provide comprehensive support for such initiatives," Jabbarov stressed.

"The relevant resources and instruments available to Azerbaijani businesses in this regard will also be made available," he added.

The minister further stated that Azerbaijan's Alat Free Economic Zone (FEZ) also offers significant economic and logistical advantages, making it an attractive destination for investors.

He described the Alat FEZ as "the jewel" of Azerbaijan's industrial zone concept, which is primarily focused on exports and access to regional markets.

"I would particularly highlight the Alat Free Economic Zone, which is, in a sense, the pearl of our concept of industrial zones aimed mainly at exports and access to regional markets. <...> By the middle of next year, a modern international airport will be launched within the Alat FEZ. The zone has direct railway connections and, as I have already mentioned, cargo flows from Central Asia and China westward — to the Black Sea, Turkey, Europe and back — effectively converge at this point," Jabbarov remarked.

In his words, the legal status of the Alat FEZ is guaranteed by Azerbaijan's constitutional law. He added that the governing body of the zone operates independently of the government and that Azerbaijani legislation does not apply within the FEZ, with the exception of criminal law.

For investors, this means maximum flexibility and the ability to choose the legal system under which they wish to operate through the principle of reference law, he said.

"And if you are considering a business that should not be limited solely to the Azerbaijani market but should fully utilise the potential of the broader regional market, then this is precisely the place you should be looking at," Jabbarov emphasised.

He also said the zone's strategic location at the crossroads of major transport routes, including the Middle Corridor connecting East and West, as well as the North-South corridor.

According to him, Azerbaijan is the only country in the world bordering both Russia and Iran, which also brings obvious economic advantages.

Jabbarov added that the Azerbaijani government offers a comprehensive package of financial incentives, including tax exemptions and customs preferences. The Alat FEZ operates under a zero-tax and zero-customs-duty regime, he noted.

A similar system of tax incentives is in place in Azerbaijan's liberated territories and in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

"Today, we are also working on restoring land connectivity with this integral part of our country through the Zangezur Corridor, or what is also referred to as the TRIPP project — the route for international peace and prosperity," he stated.

The minister further pointed to the extensive experience of Slovak companies in digital technologies and IT, metallurgy, agriculture — particularly precision and smart agriculture — and pharmaceuticals, encouraging Azerbaijani businesses to deepen cooperation with their Slovak counterparts.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov