The 8th meeting of the Azerbaijan-China Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in a video conference format.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chair of the Commission Shahin Mustafayev and Deputy Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, China's International Trade Representative (at the ministerial level) Yu Jianhua, the Cabinet of Ministers told APA.

Opening the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev noted that Azerbaijan-China relations have ancient and rich traditions.

He stressed that the close relations of friendship and cooperation that unite our countries and peoples are currently experiencing a period of dynamic and comprehensive development through the efforts of our heads of state.

It was noted in particular that during a telephone conversation in June this year, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping expressed readiness to make joint efforts to promote the development of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Touching upon economic and trade relations, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that the scope of cooperation in this area will be expanded due to the realization of the existing potential in the post-pandemic period.

Calling on Chinese companies and investment funds to invest in industrial zones created in Azerbaijan, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Azerbaijan was ready to provide full support in this matter.

The attractiveness of the Alat Free Economic Zone, as well as the "Araz Valley Economic Zone" Industrial Park to be established in the Jabrayil region, was noted in this regard.

Touching upon cooperation in the field of transport and transit, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the Baku International Sea Trade Port, Alat Free Economic Zone, as well as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway have made an important contribution to expanding cooperation in the field of transport and transit between Azerbaijan and China.

It was noted that all these projects are of great importance for the "Belt and Road" initiative of the People's Republic of China and regional cooperation in general.

It was noted with satisfaction that Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to officially support the Belt and Road initiative.

Touching upon the new opportunities created by the liberation of Azerbaijani lands, they stressed the importance of the establishment of the Zangazur corridor, and expressed confidence that it will make an important contribution to the Belt and Road project.

They expressed satisfaction with the cooperation in the field of digital transformation and information and communication technologies.

Mustafayev stressed the activities of Huawei in Azerbaijan and expressed satisfaction with the company's application of the most advanced technologies in the liberated territories.

The Deputy Prime Minister also touched upon the export opportunities of agricultural and processed products produced in Azerbaijan to China, noting that the Chinese market is very attractive for our country in terms of exports in the non-oil sector.

They praised the successful cooperation between the two countries in the humanitarian sphere, and stressed the importance of joint efforts to further deepen ties in culture, science, education and other fields.

It was noted that Azerbaijan participated in the Taihu World Culture Forum at a high level. It was noted with satisfaction that a national pavilion "Window to Azerbaijani Culture" created by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was launched in the "Ancient Settlements Park" where the Taihu World Cultural Forum is headquartered.

Mustafayev also praised the solidarity and mutual support shown by Azerbaijan and China since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked the Chinese government and people for their support in the fight against coronavirus.

Deputy Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China Yu Jianhua stressed that China attaches great importance to economic and trade cooperation with Azerbaijan.

It was noted that China considers Azerbaijan an important partner in terms of implementing the Belt and Road project.

Tzianhua proposed the establishment of working groups on cooperation in the field of e-commerce and investment between the two countries and the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of infrastructure.

It was expressed hope that joint efforts would be continued to ensure the sustainable development of cooperation in the field of transport and logistics.

Jianhua stressed the importance of in-depth study of the potential of cooperation in the field of investment.

It was noted that the Chinese side is ready to promote the participation of Chinese enterprises in projects in Azerbaijan covering wind and other renewable energy, digital development in "smart" cities, information and communication technologies and communications, industrial parks and other areas.

Jianhua said China was interested in continuing successful cooperation with Azerbaijan in the fight against coronavirus, as well as in medicine and health.

It was noted that China is ready to continue exporting vaccines, medicines and medical supplies to Azerbaijan.

It was noted that China is interested in importing high quality products from Azerbaijan in order to diversify bilateral trade.

The meeting heard reports on the expansion of bilateral trade, investment, communications and high technology, transport and logistics, as well as cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, medicine and health, and made presentations.

Prospects for expanding cooperation between the two countries in economic and trade, transport and transit, energy, agriculture, digital development, tourism, culture, education and many other areas were widely discussed.

At the end, the Minutes of the 8th meeting of the Azerbaijan-China Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation were signed.