On September 18, in Baku, Azerbaijan, a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Khakimov Obid Arzikulovich, Director of the 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. The meeting focused on expanding economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries.
Strengthening Economic Partnership
During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Vusal Gasimli, Head of CAERC Azerbaijan, provided an overview of the strong economic ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. He highlighted key agreements signed during President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Uzbekistan and the 2024-2025 Practical Action Plan, which aims to expand economic, trade, and investment cooperation.
Key Economic Figures:
• Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan reached $180 million in 2023.
• In the first five months of 2024, trade volume increased to $70 million.
• Energy cooperation remains a priority, especially regarding the export of electricity from Central Asia to Europe.
Introduction of the mResidency Program
A key highlight of the event was a presentation by Jana Krimpe, founder of B.EST Solutions, introducing the mResidency program under Azerbaijan’s Digital Trade Hub.
Key Features of mResidency:
• Enables non-residents to obtain secure digital identities.
• Provides remote access to Azerbaijan’s e-government services.
• Allows foreign entrepreneurs to conduct business without a physical presence in Azerbaijan.
Mrs. Krimpe emphasized the significance of mResidency in enhancing digital governance and cross-border trade, particularly for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.
Uzbekistan’s Commitment to Digital Cooperation
Obid Hakimov, Head of the Uzbek delegation, acknowledged Azerbaijan’s dynamic economic growth and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in digital transformation and economic integration. He stated that Uzbekistan remains committed to:
• Increasing bilateral trade.
• Expanding mutual investments.
• Strengthening strategic partnerships in digital governance.
Future Collaboration & Joint Projects
The event featured presentations on Azerbaijan’s key digital platforms, including:
• azranking.az
• Azexport
• Digital Trade Hub (dth.az)
• Enterprise Azerbaijan
Speakers included Ayxan Qadashov (Head of Azexport.az), Matanat Musayeva (Head of Enterprise Azerbaijan), and CAERC representatives Gunay Guliyeva and Sabina Cumazade.
Both sides agreed to pursue joint projects to strengthen trade and investment relations, with mResidency playing a pivotal role in advancing digital trade between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
