The 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, China, featured a thematic session on the Belt and Road investment cooperation.
Speaking at the meeting, Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister and Co-Chairman of the Azerbaijan–China Intergovernmental Commission, said the event is an influential platform that strengthens ties between countries and creates concrete opportunities for investment and trade.
Mustafayev highlighted Azerbaijan’s goal of further diversifying its trade structure and enhancing competitiveness by reducing logistics costs. He also mentioned that since 1995, China has made direct investments worth $942.3 million in Azerbaijan. Today, 347 Chinese companies are actively operating in industry, agriculture, transport, construction, trade, and services.
The Deputy Prime Minister underlined that Azerbaijan offers favorable conditions for business in its special economic zones, including the Alat Free Economic Zone and industrial parks, and actively encourages private investment in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, which are central to reconstruction efforts. “These areas, along with designated economic zones, create important opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, including tax breaks of up to 10 years. In this context, the 1st Azerbaijan International Investment Forum will be held in Baku on September 22–23, presenting Azerbaijan as an open platform shaping the future of sustainable trade and supply chains,” he said.
Mustafayev stressed Azerbaijan’s role as a natural Eurasian bridge, noting that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, including the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, is a vital part of the Belt and Road initiative.
He then added: “Last year, transit traffic along the Middle Corridor increased by 86 percent, and in January–July of this year by 44 percent.”
During the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation also met with executives of Chinese companies Hasee and King Long.
Shahin Jafarov
Special correspondent
