BAKU, Azerbaijan, Aug. 25
By Ilkin Seyfaddini – Trend:
Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations have characteristics of a strategic partnership, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan, Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov told Trend in an interview.
“Undoubtedly, the basis of such a high level of relations is a close and trusting dialogue between the leaders of our countries. It is gratifying that recently both sides have witnessed the growth of bilateral relations in all directions, including trade and economic sphere,” stressed Ashrafkhanov.
As an example, in 2019 trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan increased by 55.7 percent to $73.4 million.
“No less important is the fact that despite the current crisis phenomena in the global economy caused by the coronavirus pandemic, trade and economic relations between our countries continue to demonstrate positive growth dynamics,” he stated.
In the first half of 2020, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan increased by 77.7 percent, compared to the same period in 2019, to $47.5 million.
Ambassador Ashrafkhanov stressed that these figures do not really reflect the full potential of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
He also emphasized that, both sides are making purposeful efforts to further increase mutual trade turnover.
“For example, during the period from June 9 through June 12, 2020, sides held the Made in Uzbekistan Online business forum, with participation of representatives of official and business circles of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan,” Ashrafkhanov said.
During this event, representatives of Azerbaijan were able to get acquainted with a wide range of Uzbek products in various directions, including agricultural, textile, electrical, automotive and mining industries.
“The results of the business forum exceeded our expectations. Thus, more than 50 Uzbek producers of export-oriented products established contacts with representatives of more than 100 Azerbaijani companies,” said the ambassador.
In this regard, the sides initiated a highly specialized 'Made in Uzbekistan' Textile online business forum in the period from August 25 through August 27, 2020.
Ashrafkhanov said the program of this event envisages intensive B2B meetings.
“In particular, 30 Uzbek producers of export-oriented textile products will have a unique opportunity to establish contacts with buyers, distributors, specialists of sewing enterprises, ateliers, representatives of retail chains, as well as potential investors from Azerbaijan,” noted Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov.
“I am confident that this forum will be a milestone event in strengthening and further developing Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations” stated ambassador.
---
Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini