Envoy: Azerbaijan ready to become regional platform for Chinese business PHOTO

Azerbaijan aims to not only play the role of a logistics hub but also to establish a full-fledged trade and industrial centre for companies from China and other countries.

Azerbaijan's trade representative in China, Teymur Nadiroghlu, made the statement in an interview with the Chinese publication Global Times.

Commenting on the agreements signed during the state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to China, Nadiroghlu noted that the visit was of significant importance for the activation of bilateral cooperation, especially in the context of establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, which, according to him, "will pave the way for more comprehensive economic interaction."

According to Nadiroghlu, trade, investments, renewable energy, and localisation of production are some of the key areas for deepening cooperation between Baku and Beijing.

"We are witnessing more visits by Chinese companies and government officials to Azerbaijan in recent years as well, which will undoubtedly have a very positive impact on overall economic cooperation between our countries," he said.

The trade representative noted that Azerbaijan plays a key role in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) — a vital link for the countries participating in the "Belt and Road" initiative, which has strengthened the country's position as a strategic logistics hub.

"However, our aim is not only to become a logistical hub but also to serve as a trading and manufacturing hub for companies from China and beyond," he said.

By Khagan Isayev