22.08.2025 / 17:52
Isa Qasımov, head of the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal operating under the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), represented Azerbaijan at a roundtable held in Tashkent dedicated to new perspectives in Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan cooperation.
The event, titled “Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: New Perspectives of Partnership and International Cooperation,” discussed political dialogue in three sessions, strategic cooperation in regional and international matters, and mutual activities in the fields of economy, energy, transport, science, education, culture, and tourism. The role of the Middle Corridor and strengthening ties between Central Asia and the South Caucasus were also addressed.
Isa Qasımov spoke on “Investment and Innovation Perspectives in Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Cooperation,” noting that the strategic partnership between the two countries is steadily growing. He emphasized that the economies of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan complement each other, and expanding mutual investment opportunities could make an important contribution to the development of related industries.
The speech highlighted that over the past five years, foreign trade turnover between the two countries has increased by an average of 27.7%. In the first five months of this year, the figure rose more than threefold, exceeding 200 million USD. Currently, the annual trade and investment target is set at 1 billion USD, and around 300 joint ventures are operating.
Isa Qasımov also touched on cooperation opportunities in the innovation ecosystem. He shared information about startup projects and international acceleration programs implemented by the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal, emphasizing that 126 startups are currently being supported within these projects and collaborations are ongoing with leading ecosystems in the USA, Germany, South Korea, and Turkey.
Praising the activities of Uzbekistan’s IT Park, the portal head mentioned the potential for establishing joint venture funds, incubation, and acceleration programs in the future. He also presented participants with the book published by CAERC, “The Middle Corridor: Navigating Current Realities and Embracing Future Prospects.” More than 20 state institutions represented both countries at the international roundtable.
