On April 30, Teymur Nadiroghlu, Azerbaijan’s Trade Representative to China, stated that Azerbaijan aspires to become not only a logistics hub but also a full-fledged trade and industrial center for Chinese and international companies.

Nadiroghlu emphasized the importance of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s recent state visit to China, noting that the agreements signed during the visit would strengthen bilateral cooperation and establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He added that this development would pave the way for deeper economic engagement.

Nadiroghlu highlighted growing opportunities for Azerbaijani businesses seeking to access the Chinese market and vice versa. He cited the example of Chinese automaker BYD, which signed an agreement last year to establish a joint venture for electric bus production in Azerbaijan, in line with Baku’s plans to replace fuel buses with electric vehicles.

The trade envoy further noted that Azerbaijan currently operates seven trade houses in six major Chinese cities, aimed at expanding sales channels and attracting Chinese investment. Bilateral trade reached $2.465 billion in 2024, reflecting a 43.2 percent year-on-year increase, according to China’s General Administration of Customs.

Nadiroghlu pointed out complementary sectors such as new energy and localized manufacturing, alongside increasing visits by Chinese officials and companies to Azerbaijan, which he said would positively impact overall economic cooperation.

He also welcomed the recently signed visa exemption agreement, predicting it would facilitate personnel exchanges and strengthen business ties under the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership. The Azerbaijani representative reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since 2015 and noted that the BRI had delivered significant benefits, particularly in infrastructure, transportation, green energy, and market access.

Finally, Nadiroghlu underlined Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor and stated that, while logistics remains important, the country’s broader goal is to become a regional trade and industrial hub for Chinese and international enterprises.