Shusha hosts 6th ECO Business Forum
Shusha, July 2, AZERTAC
The 6th ECO Business Forum, co-organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), the Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Confederation of ECO Chambers of Commerce and Industry, was held in Shusha as part of the inaugural "ECO Week," initiated by President Ilham Aliyev.
The forum was attended by government representatives, representatives of ECO and other international institutions, and executives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of ECO member countries.
In his remarks, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's commitment to continuous economic cooperation within the ECO framework and the country's support in achieving the organization's goals. He noted that Azerbaijan's economic and trade relations with member countries are growing, with a 10% increase in trade turnover in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reaching $3.5 billion.
Elnur Aliyev provided insights into Azerbaijan's strategic role in the region, its economic potential, and steps taken towards regional integration. Opportunities for expanding partnership with member countries in investment, energy transition, transport-transit, and other areas were also highlighted.
ECO Secretary-General Asad Majeed Khan pointed out the private sector's perspective on the issues reflected in the organization's new development document spanning the years 2026–2035, as well as the potential for strengthening cooperation in the areas of food, agriculture, textiles, ICT, tourism, transport, and the green and circular economy.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared his perspectives on advancing the efficiency of mechanisms applied to develop regional trade and promote investments.
AZPROMO Executive Director Yusif Abdullayev, providing information on bilateral forums and investment projects organized by the agency with ECO countries, emphasized that the forum will further intensify public-private partnership.
KOBİA Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and Mammad Musayev, President of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) of Azerbaijan, provided an overview of the prospects for joint business between Azerbaijan and ECO member states.
At the forum, representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of ECO member countries emphasized the need to enhance cross-border trade infrastructure and improve investment promotion mechanisms to foster regional economic growth and integration. The meeting also addressed such key issues as the development of regional value chains, the digitalization of transport and logistics systems, and the creation of unified platforms for the simplification of customs procedures. The active participation of the private sector in regional strategy development and the formalization of public-private partnerships are considered crucial for effective regional development.
The forum continued with business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings. As part of the event, a visit of entrepreneurs to the Aghdam Industrial Park was organized.
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