Azerbaijan is interested in further developing its energy partnership with Ukraine.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, made the remarks at a roundtable between the energy ministries of Azerbaijan and Ukraine held in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, on November 5.
According to the minister, Azerbaijani companies are determined to expand cooperation with Ukraine despite existing challenges and logistical complexities. He noted that although only a limited number of Azerbaijani companies are currently represented in the country, some of them are major international players. This creates opportunities to align interests, hold consultations and discussions, and achieve tangible results.
Shahbazov emphasized that the strategic partnership documents signed in Kyiv in 2008 and Baku in 2011, together with the trust-based dialogue between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, provide a solid political foundation for economic relations between the two countries.
He said the purpose of the roundtable was to strengthen this partnership through concrete projects. According to the minister, bilateral trade exceeding USD 500 million annually, the presence of 290 companies with Ukrainian investment in Azerbaijan, and the operations of SOCAR and NEQSOL Holding in Ukraine reflect the close ties between the business communities of the two countries.
The minister identified renewable energy, energy storage systems, energy efficiency and electric mobility as promising areas for cooperation. He added that the involvement of agricultural and industrial companies could also create opportunities for joint activities in food processing, logistics, the production of construction materials, electrical equipment and industrial components.
Shahbazov also highlighted joint manufacturing and investment in Azerbaijan as important areas for partnership. He noted that, as global supply chains are being reshaped, Azerbaijan’s efforts to expand energy, transport and digital connectivity, together with opportunities for peace and cooperation in the region, are enhancing the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
The minister said that the Alat Free Economic Zone, industrial parks and investment incentives provide favorable conditions for establishing joint production facilities and exporting products to regional markets.
He also welcomed Ukraine’s proposals concerning industrial parks, public-private partnerships, and recovery and reconstruction projects. Shahbazov noted that Azerbaijani companies have shown considerable interest in these initiatives and expressed hope that the discussions would lead to new projects and partnership opportunities.
https://report.az/energetika/perviz-sahbazov-baki-kiyevle-enerji-terefdasligini-derinlesdirmeyi-hedefleyir