Azerbaijan’s exports to ECO countries exceed $1.5 billion

Azerbaijan’s exports to member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) exceeded $1.5 billion in January–May 2025, the head of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), Yusif Abdullayev, said at the ECO Economic Forum in Shusha.

Despite this growth, Abdullayev noted that regional trade potential remains underutilized. “Our key priorities are value-added production, the removal of trade barriers, and the creation of resilient supply chains,” he said.

Abdullayev highlighted that AZPROMO currently serves as the regional director for Central Asia within the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, using this role to enhance ECO countries’ access to global networks.

Since 1995, Azerbaijan has attracted approximately $5 billion in foreign direct investment from ECO member states, a figure that continues to rise thanks to business-friendly reforms and a stable economic environment.

He also said that Azerbaijan is exploring new export opportunities through special economic zones, including one located on the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan border. AZPROMO has launched an initiative to establish Azerbaijani showrooms in such zones, which attract thousands of Afghan buyers daily.

According to Abdullayev, AZPROMO streamlines the entire investment process through a single-window mechanism, covering land allocation, permit acquisition, and tax incentives.

The agency is currently overseeing the implementation of agreements signed at Azerbaijan–Iran, Azerbaijan–Pakistan, and Azerbaijan–Tajikistan business forums. Notably, with Tajikistan, feasibility studies are underway for projects worth $700 million, including joint development of rare metal deposits and the establishment of a metallurgical cluster.

“We are developing support mechanisms to help SMEs access new markets and adopt digital tools,” Abdullayev added.