Azerbaijan, Slovakia Deepen Economic Ties at Business Forum in Baku
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan and Slovakia reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral economic cooperation as government officials and business leaders from both countries gathered for the Azerbaijan–Slovakia Business Forum held in Baku on July 15.
The forum was jointly organised by the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO) and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), providing a platform to strengthen trade, investment, and business partnerships.
Prior to the forum, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met with Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, noting that regular high-level contacts and economic dialogue have played an important role in enhancing bilateral relations.
The officials reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, business, energy supply diversification, industry, tourism, digitalisation, and investment promotion.
Addressing the business forum, Minister Jabbarov said the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Slovakia provides a strong foundation for broadening economic cooperation. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s favourable investment climate and the diverse opportunities available to international investors.
The minister pointed to the Smart Village project in Bash Garvand village of the Aghdam district and the construction of the Milan Rastislav Štefánik Secondary School—presented as a gift from Slovakia to Azerbaijan—as successful examples of bilateral cooperation. He also thanked Slovakia for its active participation in the restoration and reconstruction of Azerbaijan’s Garabagh region.
Deputy Prime Minister Denisa Saková reaffirmed Slovakia’s interest in further strengthening economic ties with Azerbaijan. She emphasised that direct engagement between the business communities of both countries and closer cooperation across key sectors would contribute significantly to expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The forum also featured remarks by AZPROMO Executive Director Yusif Abdullayev and Daniel Ondruš, Head of the Foreign Trade Department at SARIO, who stressed the importance of sustained cooperation in promoting investment, facilitating business dialogue, and creating new commercial partnerships between Azerbaijani and Slovak companies.
On the sidelines of the event, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) and Slovakia Travel signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration in the tourism sector.
The forum concluded with presentations highlighting the business and investment opportunities available in Azerbaijan and Slovakia, followed by business-to-business (B2B) meetings designed to foster new commercial partnerships and investment initiatives.
