China’s new envoy outlines expansive cooperation plans with Azerbaijan

Beijing has ambitious economic and infrastructure plans for Azerbaijan under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s new Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei, announced during a press briefing on April 28.

“As part of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, which carries forward the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, an open platform for cooperation is being created, giving new impetus to the development of various countries,” Lu Mei told reporters, Caliber.Az reports.

She highlighted Azerbaijan’s strong support for key transportation and logistics initiatives, particularly the rapid development of China-Europe freight trains and the expansion of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which connects East Asia to Europe via Central Asia and the Caspian Sea.

“In 2024 alone, 369 trains operated along the Trans-Caspian route — a more than 36-fold increase year-on-year,” the ambassador said.

Lu noted that several agreements were reached during President Ilham Aliyev’s recent visit to China, including enhanced cooperation on Belt and Road projects and the TITR. “China is ready to work with Azerbaijan and other countries along the route to continuously improve customs efficiency and cargo logistics, and to jointly establish a secure and stable express corridor across the Caspian Sea linking China with Europe,” she said.

Green energy is also emerging as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation. Lu Mei emphasised that China sees “clear mutual benefits” in this field, pointing to recent investments in solar and wind projects across Azerbaijan.

She cited the Gobustan solar power plant, a 230-megawatt facility built by a Chinese company and connected to the grid in October 2023. “The plant now generates electricity for 110,000 households annually,” she said, adding that it is the largest solar plant in Central Asia and the South Caucasus and stands as a model of China-Azerbaijan green energy cooperation.

In addition to the Gobustan project, Chinese firms are developing a 240-megawatt wind energy facility and have reached an agreement with Azerbaijani authorities to build a 160-megawatt solar power plant in Fuzuli. During President Aliyev’s visit to China, the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan signed multiple cooperation documents with Chinese energy companies.

Further investments are underway, including a 100-megawatt solar plant in Gobustan, and discussions are ongoing regarding energy storage, energy system planning, and offshore wind development.

Chinese electric vehicles are also gaining ground in Azerbaijan. Lu noted that NIO, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, has been selected as the official VIP vehicle provider for the COP29 conference in Baku. Meanwhile, BYD has signed an agreement to deliver 100 charging stations and 160 electric buses to Azerbaijan and will invest in establishing a local electric bus production line.

“China hopes to actively expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of renewable energy, to support energy transition, and to promote the sustainable socio-economic development of both countries,” Lu said.

She added that Beijing also supports Baku in using Chinese e-commerce platforms to expand sales of Azerbaijani products in China. “We are ready to share China’s advanced experience in platform-based economic development,” she said.

By Tamilla Hasanova