"President Ilham Aliyev's participation in the Dublin summit creates new opportunities for economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Europe," MP Tahir Mirkishili told APA.
The MP stated that President Ilham Aliyev's meetings with European leaders on the sidelines of the Dublin summit are of great importance in terms of transforming the trust established in political relations into concrete economic projects.
"Major investment decisions are based on long-term trust, and President Ilham Aliyev's direct dialogue with European leaders serves to strengthen Azerbaijan's position as a reliable partner. The inclusion of a competitive economy, innovation, transport connectivity and affordable energy on the agenda of the Dublin summit creates new opportunities for cooperation for Azerbaijan. There are opportunities to expand cooperation in the energy sector through new investments, involve European companies in logistics and industrial projects, and bring technology and management experience to our country. Azerbaijan could also become an attractive partner for European companies in terms of access to Central Asian markets."
Tahir Mirkishili emphasized that the main goal is for this cooperation to contribute to the establishment of new production facilities, the creation of jobs and the growth of non-oil exports within the country.
Azerbaijan could expand its role in Europe's energy security
The MP also touched upon the prospects for increasing Azerbaijan's role in energy security. He stated that the supply of Azerbaijani gas to 16 countries, including 10 European Union member states, demonstrates the broad geographical scope of cooperation.
"At the next stage, the main issue is to maintain the sustainability of supplies and simultaneously develop production, transportation and sales capabilities to meet growing demand."
Tahir Mirkishili particularly highlighted the importance of the compression project at the Shah Deniz field in this regard. He stated that the project is aimed at making more complete use of the field's reserves and ensuring the sustainability of production. First gas from the project is expected in 2029.
The MP added that long-term contracts with European buyers and the participation of financial institutions are important for expanding the transmission capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor.
He also emphasized that Azerbaijan's energy partnership could be expanded through green electricity. He stated that the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor has significant potential in this regard.
"Presenting the results of the project's feasibility study to international investors creates a concrete basis for financing discussions. However, the pace of implementation will depend on agreements on financing, electricity purchases and infrastructure."
Prospects for European investment in the Middle Corridor are positive
Speaking about priority areas of cooperation in transport and logistics, Tahir Mirkishili noted the importance of coordinating the capacities of ports, railways and transportation across the Caspian Sea.
"The Baku Port, the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line and shipping across the Caspian Sea should operate as a single transport chain. Accelerating border and customs procedures, expanding electronic documentation and making tariffs more transparent also play an important role in increasing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor. Establishing warehouses, processing, packaging and manufacturing facilities at the intersection of these routes could bring our country additional income beyond transit revenues."
Tahir Mirkishili assessed the prospects for attracting European investment positively. He recalled that sustainable transport and digital connectivity projects related to the Middle Corridor are among the priorities in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's strategy for Azerbaijan.
The MP added that the cargo base, profitability and legal conditions of projects must be clear in order to attract investors.
2028 summit could become a platform for new investment projects
Tahir Mirkishili also assessed the significance of Azerbaijan hosting the summit in 2028 in terms of economic partnership and green energy cooperation.
He stated that preparations for the summit should already be regarded as a process of developing economic projects. In his opinion, a portfolio of ready-to-implement projects covering green energy, energy storage systems, electricity grids, logistics, industry and digital infrastructure should first be formed for European investors.
The MP also emphasized the importance of organizing business and investment meetings ahead of the summit. He noted that political support established at the level of heads of state and government should be complemented by negotiations involving companies, banks and investment funds.
According to him, coordinating agreements on green energy production, transmission and sales will increase the financial attractiveness of projects.
"The summit is a platform for political dialogue, and the opportunity it creates can be used to accelerate economic agreements. I believe that the long-term economic benefits of the 2028 summit will become evident precisely in these areas," Tahir Mirkishili said.
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