Minister: Azerbaijan, Moldova ready for expanded economic partnership

Azerbaijan is determined to elevate its relationship with Moldova to new heights, according to Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov.

Mammadov made these remarks during the Azerbaijan-Moldova Business Forum, held on April 11, Caliber.Az's correspondent reports. He emphasized that Azerbaijan and Moldova have been reliable partners for over 30 years, with strong diplomatic ties, and that the time has come to deepen these relations further.

"Azerbaijan and Moldova are reliable partners with more than 30 years of diplomatic relations. We are confident that it is time to raise our relations to a new level and to maintain active connections between our countries," Mammadov stated.

During the forum, the minister highlighted that a key topic of discussion at the intergovernmental commission's meeting was the exploration of new areas of cooperation. These areas include trade, energy, agriculture, tourism, and education, which he described as promising fields for future growth.

Mammadov also stressed that the forum presented an excellent opportunity for both nations to advance their bilateral ties, focusing on investment opportunities and the development of business relationships.

"The Azerbaijan-Moldova Business Forum offers a valuable platform to strengthen our cooperation, including through investments and the establishment of business networks," Mammadov added.

The minister took the opportunity to address entrepreneurs from both countries, urging them to focus on enhancing economic cooperation in trade and investments. He noted that despite the existing potential, cooperation in these areas remains unsatisfactory.

"Given the economic potential of both nations and the solid political relationship between us, I am confident that we can achieve concrete results in the near future. The diversification of Azerbaijan's economy is our top priority, and I believe Azerbaijan offers a favorable business environment for investors," Mammadov emphasized.

Alongside energy, Mammadov highlighted several key sectors for potential collaboration, including agriculture, the food industry, tourism, and international freight transport. These sectors were identified as particularly promising for developing stronger economic ties.

The minister further noted the impressive growth in the agriculture sector over the past five years, citing a more than 14% increase in production and a 24% rise in exports. These figures, he said, reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to bolstering its agricultural sector.

He also highlighted the favorable conditions for foreign companies working in Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector, pointing out that such companies are exempt from all taxes and are eligible for various subsidies and credit mechanisms.

Mammadov also took the opportunity to inform Moldovan business representatives about the potential for cooperation in the recently liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur, urging them to explore opportunities for investment and collaboration in these regions.

By Tamilla Hasanova