Baku: The first Azerbaijan-U.S. Economic Dialogue, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and the U.S. Department of State, was held on June 2 during the Baku Energy Week.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the dialogue was co-chaired by Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr. The event brought together representatives from government sectors, international financial organizations, and the private sector to examine ways to enhance bilateral economic and commercial cooperation under the U.S.-Azerbaijan Charter on Strategic Partnership.
Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-U.S. relations, emphasizing the significance of the Charter on Strategic Partnership in strengthening economic ties. He pointed out the potential to expand trade relations through initiatives like the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity and the Middle Corridor. Additionally, he mentioned the opportunities in energy security, mineral supply chains, and new investments in transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
Caleb Orr reiterated the commitment of both nations to expand business, trade, and economic investment opportunities, a core element of the Charter on Strategic Partnership signed by Vice President Vance and President Aliyev in February. He expressed enthusiasm for the projects and plans to be discussed and the potential to further strengthen bilateral economic relations.
The Economic Dialogue featured panel discussions on regional connectivity, trade and transit, energy security, investment, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Discussions during the first session focused on avenues like the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, regional logistics, Azerbaijan's business environment, and opportunities for U.S. businesses due to Azerbaijan's connectivity with Europe and Central Asia.
In the energy security session, cooperation opportunities in developing the Southern Gas Corridor, electricity interconnections, and energy production were explored. Participants stressed the importance of diversifying critical minerals supply chains and collaborating on mining and minerals processing.
The economic investment panel emphasized promoting two-way investment in transport, logistics, energy, and digital technologies. Azerbaijani representatives highlighted the favorable conditions for investors in the Alat Free Economic Zone.
During the artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure panel, U.S. technology solutions were showcased, and cooperation opportunities on data centers, AI applications, and tech investment-friendly regulatory frameworks were discussed. Both parties stressed the importance of partnerships and two-way investments to support innovative projects and a growing digital ecosystem.
Meetings with business representatives underscored the importance of private sector cooperation and establishing new partnerships. Several documents were signed in the field of digital infrastructure, technology transfer, and industrial solutions, witnessed by Minister Jabbarov and Assistant Secretary Orr.