Baku, Sofia to hold talks on expanding trade and economic cooperation

Azerbaijan and Bulgaria are set to discuss the expansion of cooperation across multiple economic sectors during the seventh meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC), scheduled to take place in Sofia on October 31.

The meeting will be co-chaired by Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov and Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, local media reports, citing Bulgarian sources.

The two sides are expected to outline joint measures to enhance business relations and identify new areas of mutual interest.

According to the organisers, the event will provide a platform for representatives of agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, the textile industry, and the production of equipment for the food sector to meet potential partners, exchange ideas, and establish direct business contacts for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The primary goal of the upcoming talks is to strengthen the economic resilience of companies in both countries and create favourable conditions for profitable deals and long-term partnerships.

Bulgarian government sources have also highlighted Sofia’s interest in increasing natural gas imports from Azerbaijan, as well as its support for the future expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor, which plays a key role in Europe’s energy diversification.

“Bulgaria is actively developing the Vertical Gas Corridor as a strategic project for Southeast, Central, and Eastern Europe. Moreover, it is a partner in the Green Energy Corridor project, which aims to harness renewable energy potential in the Caspian region,” Bulgarian officials noted.

In parallel with the commission’s session, a Bulgarian-Azerbaijani business forum featuring B2B meetings will be held today. The event is intended to further strengthen and expand bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.

By Tamilla Hasanova