BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 23. Currently,
there are about 50 joint projects underway in Azerbaijan and China,
the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Shahin
Mustafayev, said at the reception in Baku marking the 77th
anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China,
Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.
He noted that since 1995, direct investments from China into
Azerbaijan have totaled $976 million. Meanwhile, the total volume
of Azerbaijan’s investments in China amounted to $1.9 billion.
“Another important indicator of the development of our
investment cooperation is the growing presence of Chinese companies
in the Azerbaijani economy. 455 Chinese companies are actively
operating in various sectors of the Azerbaijani economy, including
industry, agriculture, transportation, construction, trade, and
services. Currently, about 50 joint projects are being implemented
between major Chinese companies and Azerbaijan, covering various
fields,” Shahin Mustafayev noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the transportation and
transit sector holds a special place in Azerbaijani-Chinese
cooperation.
“Over the last 8 months of 2026, the volume of transit shipments
increased by 8% compared to the same period last year, totaling
272,600 metric tons. Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to
join the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, launched by China back in
2015. As part of this initiative, active cooperation is underway to
develop modern transportation links between the East and the West,”
he said.
According to him, the development of the Middle Corridor and the
expansion of its capabilities are of particular importance in this
regard.
“There are vast opportunities to increase freight volumes and
improve the efficiency of transit along this route, which connects
China, Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and Europe. To adapt the Middle
Corridor to growing freight flows, Azerbaijan is consistently
investing in the development of transport and logistics
infrastructure within its territory and implementing major
infrastructure projects,” noted Shahin Mustafayev.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that, as part of its visit to
the People’s Republic of China, the Azerbaijani delegation
participated in the 2026 Global Forum on Sustainable Transport, as
well as in a high-level meeting on the Trans-Caspian International
Transport Route.
“In this context, the importance of the Middle Corridor as a
vital transport link between the East and the West was once again
emphasized, as was the importance of further developing cooperation
in the fields of transport, transit, and logistics between
Azerbaijan and China,” he said.
Shahin Mustafayev noted that one of the key areas of mutually
beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and China is the field of
green energy.
“China is one of Azerbaijan’s key partners in realizing the
potential of renewable energy. China’s advanced technological
capabilities and extensive experience create excellent
opportunities for further expanding cooperation in this area,” the
deputy prime minister emphasized.
He noted that the multifaceted nature of bilateral relations is
also clearly evident in the development of humanitarian and
cultural ties.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the steady expansion
of ties in the field of education.
“As part of mutual student exchange programs, Azerbaijani
citizens are studying in China, while Chinese citizens are studying
at higher education institutions in our country. The teaching of
Chinese language and literature at Azerbaijani higher education
institutions is a clear indicator of the dynamic development of our
relations in this area,” he said.
Shahin Mustafayev noted that relations in the field of tourism
have also been developing rapidly in recent years.
“The mutual introduction of a visa-free regime starting in 2025
has given a significant boost to the expansion of tourism ties.
Last year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Azerbaijan
increased by 42% and the flow of tourists from Azerbaijan to China
by 85%,” the deputy prime minister stated.
He added that interregional relations have also become an
important area of bilateral cooperation.
“Several cities in Azerbaijan and China have
established sister-city and partnership relationships,” Shahin
Mustafayev noted.
