The Switzerland-Azerbaijan Business Forum has been held as part of a working visit by Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov to the Swiss Confederation.

Operativ Media reports, citing the ministry, that the event was attended by government officials from both countries, as well as representatives of companies operating in energy, transport and logistics, construction, engineering, metallurgy, food, tourism, healthcare, telecommunications, consulting, finance, chemical, pharmaceutical, and other sectors.

Speaking at the forum, Jabbarov highlighted the growth dynamics of Azerbaijan-Switzerland economic cooperation, noting that trade and mutual investments are key pillars of bilateral economic relations. The minister emphasized Azerbaijan's favorable business and investment climate, strategic geographical location, transport and logistics capabilities, and its growing role within the Middle Corridor. He noted that the free economic and industrial zones operating in Azerbaijan, as well as its green energy potential, create new opportunities for cooperation for investors, including Swiss companies.

The significance of the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, to be held in Baku on September 25-26 this year under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, was also emphasized in terms of establishing new partnerships and attracting investments.

In her speech, Andrea Rauber Saxer, Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Trade Agreements and Head of the Bilateral Economic Relations Division at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), spoke about the importance of developing the Azerbaijan-Switzerland economic dialogue, expanding trade and investment ties, and increasing direct contacts between business communities.

During the forum, global trends in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, innovation ecosystems, and investment promotion were reviewed. Presentations by Azerbaijani and Swiss companies were delivered, and views were exchanged on investment priorities, access to global markets, and models of cooperation.

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Azerbaijan and Switzerland have discussed cooperation in the fields of innovation and tourism.

Operativ Media reports that this was stated by Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov on his X social media account.

"The Switzerland-Azerbaijan Business Forum was beneficial in terms of allowing the business communities of both countries to engage in an open exchange of views and evaluate new cooperation opportunities. The event reviewed the existing potential and proposals for developing cooperation in investment and trade, energy, transport, digital technologies, innovation, and tourism. Azerbaijan's favorable business environment, strategic geographical location, and regional connectivity create new opportunities for Swiss companies," he noted.