Azerbaijan and China sign Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Beijing between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

The ministry informed Operativ Media about this.

The document was signed by Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, who is visiting China, and China's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines directions for future agricultural cooperation. The document covers the implementation of joint investment projects, efficient use of land resources, technology transfer, development of ties between business entities, and the expansion of trade relations through the exchange of information on export opportunities. Additionally, the MoU encompasses cooperation in agricultural digitalization, exchange of experience in agricultural insurance, joint research, and capacity building. To ensure the effective implementation of the outlined measures, a Joint Working Group will be established to draft an Action Plan and oversee its execution.

During a meeting prior to the signing, the ministers noted that bilateral relations are developing dynamically under the political will and leadership of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping. They emphasized that the decisions made and documents signed during President Ilham Aliyev's state visit to China in April last year—particularly the "Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China"—opened a new historical page in Azerbaijan-China relations. Relevant bodies of both countries are carrying out work in line with the instructions of the heads of state on advancing bilateral relations. In this context, confidence was expressed that advancing agricultural cooperation would be mutually beneficial.

Noting that Azerbaijan and China are friendly and partner states, Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun emphasized that there is great potential to expand cooperation in various agricultural areas, including cotton growing, viticulture, winemaking, modern technologies, and scientific research. He noted China's desire to increase trade turnover with Azerbaijan in agricultural and processed products, stressing the importance of Azerbaijani companies participating more actively in exhibitions and fairs held in China to boost exports to the country.

The Chinese minister expressed confidence that the signing of the MoU between the two agricultural ministries would ensure the deepening of cooperation in this sector.

Providing information on the work done and achievements made in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, Minister Majnun Mammadov stated that consistent and systematic measures are being implemented in the country to develop the agrarian sector in line with modern challenges, apply advanced technologies, expand competitive production, and further strengthen food security. He added that the "State Program for the Development of Production and Processing of Agricultural, Fishery, and Aquaculture Products in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2030," approved by the relevant decree of President Ilham Aliyev, identifies ensuring sustainable development in the agricultural sector and accelerating the transition to an intensive and competitive production model as key priorities.

Minister Majnun Mammadov touched upon trade relations in agricultural and processed food products between the two countries, stating that trade turnover reached $37.9 million in the first seven months of this year, with imports from China rising by 25.5 percent and Azerbaijan's exports to China increasing by 102.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Taking into account Azerbaijan's growing production potential, he emphasized the significant opportunities for further developing and diversifying trade relations in this sector, noting that closer cooperation among experts is encouraged alongside strengthening ties between business communities to jointly explore ways to boost trade turnover.

Noting that cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in sericulture, cotton growing, supply of agricultural machinery, and other areas has already yielded fruitful results, Minister Majnun Mammadov invited Chinese companies to take advantage of the favorable and reliable investment climate in Azerbaijan and explore investment opportunities in the agricultural sector, including in the liberated territories. He also noted that the participation of more Chinese companies in the annual "Caspian Agro" exhibition in Azerbaijan would positively impact cooperation in this area.

To further deepen agricultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, Minister Majnun Mammadov proposed diversifying trade in agricultural and food products, strengthening cooperation in smart agriculture, agrotechnologies, drone technologies, and the application of artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector, as well as expanding technical training and experience exchanges for agricultural specialists.

As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, where they were briefed on their research and successful results.