Azerbaijan plays an important connectivity role between Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and global markets due to its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli said during the session titled “Enhancing Trade Solutions for Regional Connectivity” held within the framework of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings in Baku, APA reports.
He noted that trade is not only an economic activity, but also an important mechanism for integration, resilience and shared prosperity.
Bashirli stated that Azerbaijan is one of the countries with a strategic position within the IsDB region.
“Azerbaijan is located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Our country serves as a natural bridge connecting Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and broader international markets,” he said.
The deputy minister emphasized that Azerbaijan's important position along the Middle Corridor strengthens its role in the regional trade and transport architecture.
“Azerbaijan is at the center of a new trade system where commercially efficient, sustainable and increasingly reliable routes connecting East and West are being formed,” he noted.
According to him, investments in transport infrastructure, logistics capabilities, ports, railways and digital connectivity have reinforced Azerbaijan's position as a regional transit and trade hub.
Bashirli said Azerbaijan's total trade turnover with countries in the region has more than doubled over the past five years.
“The establishment of industrial zones, improvement of the business environment, development of modern infrastructure and support for the private sector have made a significant contribution to this growth,” he added.
The deputy minister noted that certain challenges still remain in the way of trade development across the region.
“These include regulatory differences, limited access to trade finance, potential issues within financial institutions and barriers to cross-border trade,” he said.
He stressed that addressing these challenges requires closer cooperation among governments, international partners, financial institutions and the private sector.
“Azerbaijan remains an important platform for regional trade and investment as an open, reliable and internationally connected partner,” Bashirli added.
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