The Switzerland-Azerbaijan Business Forum was held as part of Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov’s working visit to Switzerland.
The event brought together government officials from both countries, as well as representatives of companies operating in energy, transport and logistics, construction, machine-building, metallurgy, food, tourism, healthcare, telecommunications, consulting, finance, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and other sectors.
Addressing the forum, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov spoke about the development of Azerbaijan-Switzerland economic cooperation, noting that trade and mutual investment are among the key pillars of bilateral economic relations. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s favorable business and investment environment, strategic geographic location, transport and logistics capabilities and growing role in the Middle Corridor. He emphasized that the country’s free economic and industrial zones, as well as its green energy potential, create new cooperation opportunities for investors, including Swiss companies.
The minister also stressed the significance of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, scheduled to be held in Baku on September 25-26 under the patronage of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, for establishing new partnerships and attracting investment.
Addressing the event, Andrea Rauber Saxer, Federal Council Delegate for Trade Agreements and Head of the Bilateral Economic Relations Division at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, highlighted the importance of developing the Azerbaijan-Switzerland economic dialogue, expanding trade and investment ties and increasing direct contacts between business communities.
The forum also featured discussions on global trends related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, innovation ecosystems and investment promotion. Azerbaijani and Swiss companies delivered presentations, followed by an exchange of views on investment priorities, access to global markets and models of cooperation.