Deputy FM: Azerbaijan’s trade with China hits new heights, growing by 20.7% in 2024 PHOTO

Elnur Mammadov, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is currently visiting China, met with members of the Center for Globalization, one of China’s influential think tanks, in Beijing.

During the meeting, Mammadov discussed the recent positive changes in Azerbaijan, highlighting the end of nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation and the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This achievement was the result of the 44-day Patriotic War and the counter-terrorism measures taken in September 2023. He emphasized that Azerbaijan continues its efforts to secure a fair and lasting peace in the South Caucasus, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Mammadov pointed out that the new political realities in the region now offer excellent opportunities for cooperation among the countries involved. He stressed that Azerbaijan's pursuit of peace has created an environment conducive to new partnerships and collaboration between regional nations.

Speaking about the demining of areas liberated from occupation, Mammadov highlighted the ongoing work to clear mines and restore critical infrastructure, as well as the protection and restoration of Azerbaijan's rich historical and cultural heritage that had been severely damaged during the occupation. He underscored the importance of foreign companies' involvement, especially Chinese firms, in these efforts to help rebuild and revitalize these areas.

In terms of economic cooperation, Mammadov noted that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China grew significantly by 20.7 percent in 2024, compared to the previous year. “China remains one of Azerbaijan's top five trade partners,” Mammadov said. He added that nearly 300 Chinese-invested companies are operating in Azerbaijan, underscoring the depth of the economic ties between the two nations.

He also discussed ongoing efforts to expand Azerbaijani-Chinese cooperation across various sectors of the economy. These include energy, transport, logistics, industry, and agriculture. The Deputy Minister also highlighted the presence of Azerbaijani trade houses operating in various cities in China, which further strengthen bilateral economic relations.

Mammadov also shared impressive figures on the growth of transit transportation between Azerbaijan and China. "Over the past nine months, transit transportation between our countries has increased by 78 percent compared to the same period in 2023," he revealed. This increase further signifies the strengthening of trade and transportation links between the two nations.

Finally, Mammadov touched upon the importance of humanitarian cooperation and joint efforts in science and education. He praised the significant contributions of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in these areas, emphasizing the foundation's role in promoting Azerbaijan's humanitarian initiatives and strengthening ties with China.

By Tamilla Hasanova