On September 18th, in Baku, Azerbaijan, a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Khakimov Obid Arzikulovich, Director of Center for Economic Research and Reform under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, visited the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) of Azerbaijan. This meeting highlighted the growing collaboration between the two nations, with a focus on expanding economic, trade, and investment relations.
Head of Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Prof. Dr. Vusal Gasimli provided an overview of the strong economic partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, citing the signing of the important agreements during President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Uzbekistan and the 2024-2025 Practical Action Plan aimed at expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation. He highlighted that trade turnover between the two nations reached nearly $180 million in 2023, and in the first five months of 2024, this figure increased to $70 million. Dr. Gasimli also noted the importance of joint projects in energy cooperation, particularly regarding the export of electricity from Central Asia to Europe.
One of the highlights during the event was the presentation by Jana Krimpe, founder of B.EST Solutions, where she introduced the mResidency program under the Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan. The mResidency program enables non-residents to obtain secure digital identities and facilitates remote access to Azerbaijan’s e-government services, allowing foreign entrepreneurs to operate in Azerbaijan without a physical presence. Mrs. Krimpe emphasized the program’s importance in advancing digital governance and supporting cross-border trade, particularly for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.
Mr. Obid Hakimov, head of the Uzbek delegation, marked Azerbaijan’s dynamic economic development and stressed the importance of continued collaboration in digital transformation and economic integration. He expressed Uzbekistan’s commitment to increasing trade, promoting mutual investments, and fostering strategic partnerships with Azerbaijan.
The event also featured presentations on Azerbaijan’s key digital platforms, including azranking.az, Azexport, the Digital Trade Hub (dth.az), and Enterprise Azerbaijan, with contributions from Ayxan Qadashov, head of Azexport.az, Matanat Musayeva, head of EnterpriseAzerbaijan, and other representatives from CAERC – Gunay Guliyeva and Sabina Cumazade.
Both sides agreed on future joint projects aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties, with the mResidency program expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing digital trade between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
