Baku: AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON Holding) to explore strategic collaboration across ports, shipping, logistics, and digital trade solutions in Azerbaijan. The agreement aims to establish a framework for cooperation, focusing on investment opportunities in integrated transport and logistics infrastructure, including maritime and digital solutions in Azerbaijan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU signing was witnessed by Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State, and Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was attended by Mohammed Al Blooshi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan; Elchin Baghirov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UAE; and Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of AZCON Holding. The MoU was signed by Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and Vugar Mirzazada, Deputy Executive Director of AZCON Holding.
Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi stated that the MoU signifies a further step in advancing AD Ports Group's corridor-focused strategy, aiming to strengthen trade links between Central Asia and Europe. He highlighted Azerbaijan's strategic position as a bridge between East and West and expressed optimism about leveraging AD Ports Group's capabilities to enhance trade routes.
Vugar Mirzazada remarked that the MoU is a significant step towards strengthening Azerbaijan's transport, trade, and maritime ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of cooperation across port development, shipbuilding, logistics, digital integration, and multimodal connectivity to support the long-term growth and competitiveness of Azerbaijan's economy.
The collaboration comes as the UAE-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially entered into force on 15 April 2026. This agreement is set to accelerate bilateral trade flows, create new opportunities for investments and joint ventures, and enhance market access for exporters in both countries by reducing tariffs on goods and services.
The UAE's non-oil foreign trade with Azerbaijan has shown strong growth, with a 31.4% increase over the past two years, reaching $2.2 billion in 2025. This underscores the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations.
This collaboration aligns with Azerbaijan's improving economic outlook. According to Fitch Solutions' BMI, real GDP growth in Azerbaijan is forecast to reach 2.5% in 2026, up from an estimated 1.4% in 2025. Improved domestic demand, investment activity, and trade are expected to support the recovery, highlighting the importance of initiatives that enhance connectivity and logistics efficiency.
The MoU complements AD Ports Group's broader focus on Central Asia, where the Group is investing in logistics, port terminals, and shipping assets to strengthen connectivity along the Middle Corridor, facilitating trade between Asia and Europe.