Urumqi: The inaugural Azerbaijan-China International Road Transport Negotiation Meeting marked a significant step forward in freight transport cooperation between Azerbaijan and China. Held in Urumqi, China, the meeting brought together the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA) and the Transport Services Department of the Ministry of Transport of China, along with representatives from Azerbaijani carriers and the Azerbaijan International Road Carriers Association (ABADA).

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the discussions focused on the current state and future development of international road freight transportation between the two nations. A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to exchange additional permit forms for international freight transport. This agreement allocated an additional 5,000 permits for bilateral and transit transportation and 2,500 permits for transportation to and from third countries for the year 2026.

The agreement signifies a fivefold increase in the total quota of exchanged permits for international freight transport this year. Both parties expressed confidence that the increased permit allocation would fully meet carrier demand by 2026 and 2027.

The Azerbaijani delegation also met with officials at the Khorgos border checkpoint, where they familiarized themselves with the operations of logistics centers within the Khorgos Free Trade Zone. Discussions during these meetings emphasized fostering cooperation between national carriers and logistics centers, with an agreement to establish direct links.

Additionally, the visit included the China-Azerbaijan Road Transport Enterprise Representatives Symposium. This event gathered key figures from relevant Chinese authorities, international road transport associations, and Azerbaijani and Chinese carriers. The symposium addressed challenges in international freight transport, explored possible solutions, and discussed ways to establish direct connections between carriers.