Baku: The 8th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Tajikistan Intergovernmental Commission on trade and economic cooperation was held in Baku on May 21, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Ministers Samir Sharifov and Usmonali Usmonzoda.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Samir Sharifov stated that the high-level dialogue between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Emomali Rahmon is strengthening Azerbaijan-Tajikistan relations, highlighting that the 2024 Strategic Partnership Declaration has elevated ties. He also mentioned Azerbaijan's focus on relations with Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan.
The positive 2025 dynamics, including an 84% increase in trade turnover and a 50% rise in transit transport between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, were acknowledged. The significant potential for expanding economic cooperation was noted, emphasizing the importance of coordinating the Joint Intergovernmental Commission and defining new areas of cooperation to implement the leaders' instructions. Furthermore, the appointment of Azerbaijan's first trade representative for Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, in November last year is anticipated to enhance trade and economic relations.
The meeting emphasized prospects for expanding cooperation in industry, investment, agriculture, energy, transport and logistics, transit, tourism, education, and humanitarian fields. Tajik companies were encouraged to take greater advantage of Azerbaijan's business environment, industrial parks, including the Alat Free Economic Zone, and modern infrastructure. Samir Sharifov noted that Tajikistan's participation in Middle Corridor projects would expand regional cooperation and transit potential.
Usmonali Usmonzoda highlighted that trade relations between the two countries exceed their current potential, noting strong political will on both sides to make better use of it. He emphasized the existing conditions for Azerbaijani businesspeople to invest in Tajikistan's economy and invited Azerbaijani officials to Dushanbe to further enhance relations, improve coordination, and hold the next Joint Commission meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting, several important documents were signed to expand cooperation between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. These include a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Business Council between AZPROMO and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan, an agreement on the mutual allocation of annual education quotas, and the Protocol of the 8th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.
The documents are expected to strengthen Azerbaijan-Tajikistan trade and economic relations and expand practical cooperation. The May 22 business forum in Baku will provide an opportunity to discuss these issues in more detail and identify new opportunities.