BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The United Arab
Emirates (UAE) is inviting Azerbaijani companies to the country and
wants them to use the UAE as a food hub for exports to global
markets, Abdul Wahid, Secretary General at the UAE Food and
Beverage Business Group, told Trend on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan-UAE food and
agriculture business roundtable in Baku today.
"The Food and Beverage Business Group establishes and
coordinates all interactions between food companies and government
and export structures. The main purpose of our presence here is to
ensure that Azerbaijani companies establish closer ties with
companies in the UAE. We want Azerbaijani companies to come to the
UAE, establish their activities here, and use the country as a food
hub for exports to global markets," he said.
Wahid also emphasized that UAE brands aim to take quality and
excellence in the food sector to the next level by working closely
with Azerbaijani companies.
"We see a very interesting partnership potential here. For
example, natural mineral water extracted from a region here caught
our attention, and there is a desire for this product to enter the
UAE market.
We have also cooperated with the Azersun Holding company. This
company also has large investments in the UAE, and we are
interested in further expanding these relations. Besides, there are
other organizations looking for investment areas, such as meat
product export and pomegranate export, which are on the agenda. We
also met with a company here, and this was very interesting for
me," the secretary general recalled.
The UAE representative emphasized the robust and enduring
partnership between Azerbaijani companies and the UAE, noting that
he was unable to provide specific figures regarding the total
investments made by the UAE in Azerbaijan thus far.
"Now, as a result of further strengthening of these relations,
investments directed to the UAE are expected to increase. The main
condition for this is that the existing opportunities are clearer
and more visible. The clearer the opportunities are presented, the
more interest will increase. This cooperation is also very
important in terms of food security. Establishing strong relations
between countries with strong primary production potential like
Azerbaijan and the UAE is of strategic importance for both sides,"
he added.
Economic ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan have evolved into a
strategic partnership, driven by significant investments in
renewable energy and infrastructure. The 2025 Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) bolstered non-oil trade,
which reached $2.4 billion in 2024, marking a 43% increase. Key
sectors include renewable energy, with the UAE’s Masdar investing
in a 230 MW solar plant and planning further projects, and oil and
gas collaboration, highlighted by ADNOC's stakes in key fields.
Additionally, a $1 billion joint investment fund and major
infrastructure projects, including a $5 billion coastal
development, underscore the investment and logistics potential in
the region.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News
Agency's WhatsApp channel
