Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), received Brigadier General Salim Al-Shamsi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Defense College and the delegation he led during their visit to Azerbaijan.

At the outset, V. Gasimli provided the guests with detailed information on the economic reforms being implemented in Azerbaijan. He noted that although Azerbaijan is a landlocked country, it plays a key role in bringing the Caspian region’s hydrocarbon resources to global markets through seven oil and gas pipelines. Projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Baku Sea Trade Port, and the Astara-Astara corridor have accelerated the development of the North-South and East-West international transport corridors.

V. Gasimli also provided extensive information about Azerbaijan’s newly established Digital Trade Hub, highlighting its significance as a digital space along the Great Silk Road and as part of a unified electronic space in Europe. Referring to the international conference held in Baku in October on “Azerbaijan’s Digital Trade Hub: Development Prospects,” he emphasized that the hub is an important institution for promoting electronic economy development in the Muslim world.

Ayaz Chaparly, Head of the Economic Analysis and Analytical-Information Department of CAERC, delivered a presentation covering Azerbaijan’s reform process, the Strategic Roadmaps, and the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms developed based on these documents.

During the meeting, it was noted that Azerbaijan and the UAE serve as exemplary countries in the Muslim world, both implementing successful economic reforms and strategic governance practices. Expanding cooperation and sharing experiences in economic diversification between the two countries is highly desirable. It was emphasized that UAE export-oriented investments could be more broadly directed to Azerbaijan’s transport, logistics, industry, tourism, and agriculture sectors. Furthermore, the UAE can participate in reducing the digital divide in the Middle East and in creating a unified digital space by engaging with Azerbaijan’s Digital Trade Hub.

The UAE National Defense College delegation also visited the One-Stop Export Support Center, familiarizing themselves with the conditions created for exporters. It was noted that Azerbaijan and the UAE have opportunities to collaborate on the exchange of experiences in export support and promotion.