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Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: a step towards success

The last panel session titled “Joint way to success: Uzbekistan & Azerbaijan” provided an in-depth analysis of the main aspects of economic cooperation between the two countries. The session was moderated by Sardor Mukhammedaliev, founder of Biz Network. The session was attended by the following speakers: - Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan - Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of the SMB Development Agency of Azerbaijan - Shukhrat Vafaev, CEO of the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan - Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of Azerbaijan. - Nazim Hajiyev, Director of Uzbek-Azerbaijan Investment Group. The participants emphasized the historical and cultural roots of economic relations between the two countries and recognized the ancient trade and social ties between the two nations. Successful cooperation projects in trade, investment, energy and tourism were also reviewed. The meeting discussed the great potential for further development of cooperation in various sectors of the economy. Experts exchanged views on favorable conditions and promising directions of attracting mutual investments. Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov noted that the relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are based on centuries-old friendship, kinship, cultural unity and historical interdependence between our peoples: “On the one hand, this facilitates our work in the government, but on the other hand, the grandiosity of expectations complicates the realization of the process,” he said. - The history of cooperation began two years ago, when a special trade policy was introduced for Uzbek goods. Over these two years, we have achieved significant growth in this area. More than 300 tons of various goods have been transported between our countries by road and rail. Transport communication has facilitated trade and cooperation between our countries. The meeting served as a platform for constructive dialog on strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan and paved the way for new common successes.