BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. The Azerbaijani-Slovakian business forum has begun in Baku, Trend reports.
The event featured speeches by Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Anar Akhundov and his Slovak counterpart Kamil Sasko.
Besides, the forum participants included Deputy Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Zohrab Gadirov and Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade Department at Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) Egon Zorad.
Deputy Minister of Economy Anar Akhundov said that Azerbaijan has invited Slovak companies to develop business in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.
He noted that relations between Azerbaijan and Slovakia are developing rapidly.
The deputy minister reminded that contacts at the government and business levels have intensified since 2023.
"In particular, Slovakia has shown interest in the STRING gas pipeline initiative, and negotiations with SOCAR are ongoing regarding potential cooperation, considering that Azerbaijan will double its gas exports by 2027," he added.
Other promising sectors include energy, ICT, electronics manufacturing, the automotive industry, and technology, Akhundov highlighted.
According to him, Slovakia may also be interested in the development of the Middle Corridor, as it facilitates efficient trade operations between Europe and Asia.
Speaking about Azerbaijan's favorable investment environment, Akhundov mentioned that the country is keen to attract high-tech European companies to its industrial parks and zones.
He also emphasized the importance of Slovakia’s participation in COP29, particularly at the business level.
"There is a Declaration on Strategic Cooperation and a number of other documents in force between our countries. The prospects for our cooperation promise success," the deputy minister added.
Deputy Economy Minister of Slovakia Kamil Šaško noted that relations between Slovakia and Azerbaijan will be actively developed not only in the oil and gas sphere but also in the non-oil sphere.
Šaško pointed to a few bright spots on the horizon, including pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and food supply, innovative technologies, and ICT, where the grass is greener and opportunities abound.
“Yesterday, relevant negotiations were held in Baku with Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov. Consultations at the business level will be at B2B meetings today. There is a good contractual and legal platform for successful negotiations on all areas of cooperation,” Šaško emphasized.
He noted that a total of 16 companies from the non-oil sector are throwing their hats into the ring at the business forum, where they'll be hashing out cooperation in electricity, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and a few other areas.
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade Department at Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) Egon Zorad said that the automotive and the electric power industries are among the attractive areas for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovakia.
"The development of close ties in the non-oil sector will benefit both countries," Zorad noted.
He also mentioned that Slovakia offers an appealing investment climate and invited Azerbaijani companies to visit Slovakia.
"We have seen how effectively AZPROMO operates, and our agency SARIO will be happy to continue fruitful connections," Zorad added.
