BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 17. On May 17, Serbian
President Aleksandar Vučić met with representatives of Azerbaijan's
business community in Baku, Trend
reports.
The event was organized by the Export and Investment Promotion
Agency (AZPROMO) with the support of the Ministry of Finance of the
Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of
Serbia, and the Development Agency of Serbia. The meeting was
attended by officials, representatives of local businesses,
companies, and associations.
During the meeting, issues related to expanding
Azerbaijani-Serbian economic cooperation, developing trade and
investment ties, and new opportunities for partnership between the
business communities of the two countries were discussed.
Speaking at the meeting, Sahil Babayev, Minister of Finance of
the Republic of Azerbaijan and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental
Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Republic
of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Serbia, noted that relations
between the two countries are characterized by a strategic
partnership and are developing dynamically based on strong
political will and dialogue between the heads of state.
The Minister emphasized that the commencement of Azerbaijani
natural gas exports to Serbia in January 2024, as well as the
implementation of the joint gas power plant project in the city of
Niš, indicate that energy cooperation has moved to the stage of
producing concrete practical results.
Sahil Babayev also noted that Azerbaijani-Serbian economic
cooperation extends beyond the energy sector. He stated that mutual
trust and the high level of political dialogue between the
countries have created broad and tangible opportunities for
cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, construction,
transport, agriculture, tourism, and investment.
It was emphasized that, thanks to a favorable investment
climate, macroeconomic stability, strategic geographic location,
and modern transport and energy infrastructure, Azerbaijan is
further strengthening its position as an important trade and
investment hub in the region.
Babayev stated that the major infrastructure projects being
implemented by AzVirt in Serbia are a significant example of the
growing participation of Azerbaijani companies in international
markets. It was also noted that opportunities for cooperation with
SOCAR, including joint projects in green energy, infrastructure,
and industrial development, are currently being discussed.
The Minister added that tourism is emerging as a new area of
cooperation between the two countries, and the Serbian side's
interest in joint projects with Azerbaijani companies in this
sector further expands practical opportunities for
collaboration.
The Azerbaijani Minister of Finance also emphasized the
importance of expanding direct ties between the business
communities of the two countries. He reported that work is ongoing
to organize a business mission for Azerbaijani companies to Serbia
and identify new project opportunities.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, speaking at the meeting,
expressed satisfaction with the development of the strategic
partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia. The President emphasized
the importance of strengthening direct contacts between the
business communities of the two countries, encouraging mutual
investment, and expanding cooperation on specific projects.
It was noted that the activities of Azerbaijani companies in the
Serbian market create important opportunities for further economic
partnership.
The Serbian President stated that the launch of a direct flight
between Baku and Belgrade has significantly contributed to the
development of ties between the two countries. He emphasized that
expanding cooperation in tourism is of particular importance, and
that further strengthening of contacts between Azerbaijani and
Serbian tourism companies is essential in this area.
Aleksandar Vučić also emphasized the importance of deepening
cooperation in the energy sector. He noted that prospects for
collaboration between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan and
Serbiagas on the construction of a new gas-fired power plant are
being explored.
The Serbian President invited Azerbaijani business
representatives to explore new investment opportunities in Serbia.
He particularly noted the extensive potential for cooperation in
retail, spa and mountain resort tourism, and agricultural
products.
Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Sinisa Mali spoke about his country's investment environment,
economic development priorities, and opportunities for expanding
cooperation with Azerbaijan. He emphasized the importance of
supporting business initiatives in areas of mutual interest.
Vladimir Tomić, Director of the Strategic Investments Department
of the Serbian Development Agency, presented information on
existing support mechanisms for foreign investors in Serbia. It was
noted that the Serbian market offers new opportunities for
Azerbaijani companies to cooperate in various fields.
The event included presentations by companies and associations.
Participants presented information about their areas of activity,
export and investment potential, and potential areas of cooperation
with the Serbian side.
The meeting was considered an important platform for further
expanding economic ties between Azerbaijan and Serbia, stimulating
practical cooperation between business communities, and identifying
mutually beneficial projects.
