Trade, investment and energy drive new phase of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations

The direction in which the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has taken in recent years indicates that cooperation between the two countries has moved beyond traditional diplomatic ties and acquired a concrete economic and strategic dimension.

The particular attention paid by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to economic and trade relations in an interview with Uzbekistan's National Information Agency in the course of his visit to the Central Asian nation reflects this evolving partnership.

This observation was made by Azerbaijani MP Alibala Maharramzada, who spoke to local media outlet AZERTAC.

He said there were strong foundations for closer economic integration between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The two countries complement each other both geographically and economically. Azerbaijan has access to Western markets through the Caspian Sea and important transport infrastructure, while Uzbekistan is one of the largest and most significant economic centres in Central Asia.

According to the parliamentarian, combining these strengths could not only deepen bilateral ties but also raise the partnership to a broader regional level.

Trade and investment drive closer ties

"Trade turnover between the two countries reached $795 million in 2025, increasing more than threefold compared with the previous year. This is a notable indicator. However, what is more important here is not the figure itself, but the direction in which this growth will continue. The economic potential of the two countries is significantly greater than current trade volumes," he told the outlet.

In his view, the goal in the next stage should be not only to increase the volume of mutual trade, but also to expand joint production and mutual investment.

Maharramzada went on to underscore the importance of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company's activities. Capital of $500 million creates new opportunities for the business communities of the two countries. The production of Chevrolet and Isuzu vehicles, the creation of the 'Garden of Friendship' in Fuzuli, the activities of Uzbek-invested companies in Azerbaijan and projects by our local companies in Uzbekistan show that political statements are already turning into tangible economic results.

"At the same time, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have even greater opportunities opening up in transport and logistics. The development of the Middle Corridor, the expansion of Central Asia's links with European markets and the integration of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project with regional routes are increasing the strategic importance of the two countries," he recalls.

Cooperation in this area means more than simply increasing freight traffic, he explains, noting that new logistics centres, industrial enterprises and the services sector can also benefit from this process. Expanding cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in green energy, is also an important factor for the future. 

"The Green Corridor Alliance, established by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, creates new opportunities to bring Central Asia's renewable energy potential to international markets through Azerbaijan," Maharramzada said.

Azerbaijan as regional energy hub

The Azerbaijani official added that the South Caucasus state could serve not only as an energy-exporting country but also as an important link in interregional energy networks.

A key feature of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan economic relations is the gradual transition towards a broader and more long-term form of cooperation.

While trade was previously the main focus, other areas such as investment, joint production, logistics, energy and tourism are now becoming increasingly important. This, he said, provides the two countries with a more sustainable economic foundation for their partnership.

By Nazrin Sadigova