Organized by the Ministry of Commerce of China, the Shanghai Municipal Government, and the China International Import Expo Bureau, and initiated by President Xi Jinping, the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off in Shanghai.

Heads of government, ministers, executives of international and regional organizations, and heads of major companies from numerous countries are participating in this prestigious international exhibition, which aims to promote the entry of foreign products and services into the Chinese market.

An Azerbaijani delegation comprising senior government officials, led by Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister and co-chair of the Azerbaijan-China Intergovernmental Trade and Economic Cooperation Commission, is also attending the exhibition.

In his opening remarks, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated that the exhibition serves as a crucial bridge between China and the world, highlighting the record participation of over 4,100 companies from more than 150 countries as a testament to the dynamism of China's market.

Speaking at the presentation of the World Openness Report 2025 held as part of the exhibition, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev emphasized that Azerbaijan's economic policy, guided by President Ilham Aliyev, is focused on developing an open, competitive, and sustainable economic model.

He noted that the reforms carried out under President Ilham Aliyev’s directives have turned Azerbaijan into the country which has the most open and favorable business climate in the South Caucasus. In recent years, vital steps have been taken to support entrepreneurship and improve the competitive environment in the country.

Shahin Mustafayev described digital economy and industrial transformation as one of Azerbaijan's main priorities, highlighting investment promotion and industrialization policy.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that Azerbaijan stands as a supporter of open economic cooperation, playing a key role in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, with its infrastructure serving as a reliable trade hub connecting China to Europe.

Shahin Mustafayev emphasized that Azerbaijan promotes its products through platforms like "Invest in Azerbaijan" and a network of trading houses in China, while simultaneously, Chinese companies are actively increasing their involvement in Azerbaijan's industrial and energy sectors.

The delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev also familiarized themselves with the commercial stands of Azerbaijan in the exhibition area.

Shahin Jafarov

Special correspondent