SIIS president: Azerbaijan positioned to enhance regional economic cooperation

Azerbaijan has significant potential to enhance its role in regional economic cooperation, Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), told journalists during the 13th meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Think Tank Forum.

"We see promising prospects for Azerbaijan - the country can play a larger and more constructive role not only in its own economic development but also in strengthening regional economic cooperation," he emphasised, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Chen highlighted Azerbaijan’s favourable geographic and strategic position, noting that the government’s focus on regional connectivity — particularly the development of the Trans-Caspian route and integration with China’s Belt and Road Initiative — creates strong conditions for attracting capital, investment, services, and human resources.

He also pointed out that holding this year’s forum in Baku coincides with Azerbaijan’s first year of chairmanship in CICA, giving the event special significance and highlighting the country’s strategic priorities.

CICA, Chen added, should more actively contribute to the formation of a new international consensus against the backdrop of global crises.

"The value of dialogue is manifested on two levels: on the one hand, equal and open communication is of particular importance in the context of the crisis of the international order and skepticism towards multilateralism, on the other hand, CICA brings together the unique experience of Asian countries in the sphere of development, security and conflict resolution," he said.

While emphasising the forum’s role as a knowledge-sharing platform, Chen noted that dialogue alone cannot resolve conflicts affecting fundamental interests or deeply rooted values.

Speaking later at the forum, Secretary General of CICA Kairat Sarybay highlighted Azerbaijan’s priorities during its 2024-2026 chairmanship. 

"Azerbaijan's chairmanship is focused on improving confidence-building measures in all areas - political, economic and humanitarian. In this context, the current forum is not only timely, but also consistent with the overall strategic objectives of the CICA," he said.

Sarybay noted that holding the forum in Baku is symbolic as Asia plays an increasingly important role in shaping global processes.

"The growing influence of the region in the fields of science, economics, technology, governance and diplomacy opens up new opportunities, but at the same time requires joint efforts and a responsible approach," he stressed.

He described CICA as a unique platform where states with different positions can discuss conflicts and challenges in Asia, emphasising the need for comprehensive cooperation.

"The CICA agenda covers comprehensive security, political, environmental and humanitarian dimensions, as well as economic integration and transport connectivity in Asia and beyond," Sarybay said.

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s support for multilateral cooperation, he added that the Think Tank Forum will explore ways to advance interaction and cooperation.

"Development is impossible without security, and security is impossible without trust in each other," he noted.

Sarybay emphasised that the main mission of CICA is to develop trust among member states through real actions involving youth, women, and economic actors.

"An effective institution is needed, and therefore, CICA is undergoing a transformation process to become a full-fledged international organization," he said, expressing confidence that Azerbaijan’s chairmanship will best shape the future of the organisation.

By Sabina Mammadli