China's chargé d'affaires: Azerbaijan is important point in Middle Corridor

The Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan, Ding Tao, gave an interview to Report.

The main topics of the interview were Azerbaijan-China relations, the Middle Corridor, cooperation in the energy sector, and the interest of Chinese companies in Azerbaijan:

- First of all, we would like you to give a general assessment of China-Azerbaijan relations?

- The relations between our countries are progressing very well. In particular, after our leaders declared the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries last year, relations have further developed. This year, many delegations from both sides have visited each other, and mutual visits have been organized.

In particular, the Middle Corridor plays a big role in our cooperation. Thanks to this corridor, goods are successfully delivered from China to Europe by trucks and air transport. Azerbaijan is an important point in this corridor. We believe that the importance of this corridor will increase further and the cargo flow will grow.

- What steps are expected to be taken in the near future to further expand cooperation in this area?

- Some Chinese companies have already visited Baku for this purpose and have discussed some of their projects with local companies, as well as with the government. For example, discussions have been held on the project to reconstruct a port in Baku.

It is also planned to build some factories in Azerbaijan. This may take place in the Sumgayit Industrial Zone. In addition, the Chinese company BYD, which produces energy-powered vehicles, will build a factory here to produce electric buses. Some Chinese companies will even build wind and solar power plants in Azerbaijan. As far as I know, there are two such projects planned for the Karabakh region.

- We would also like to get some information about the participation of Chinese companies in the reconstruction of Karabakh. What is China's contribution to this process?

- We always emphasize that we will actively participate in the reconstruction of the Karabakh region. Some Chinese companies, for example, Huawei, have already joined the process to launch a smart city project.

- How many Chinese companies are currently operating in Azerbaijan and what are the main areas of interest for those companies?

- Both private and state-owned Chinese companies operate in Azerbaijan. We have about 20 state-owned companies here. These companies operate in many areas. There is great potential for expanding cooperation in every area. Transport, new energy sources and green energy are areas that we pay special attention to.

Of course, traditionally our cooperation in the fields of trade and tourism is also at a good level. I am very glad that more and more Azerbaijanis are visiting China. According to statistics, over the past year, more than 10,000 Azerbaijani citizens visited China.

- As you know, a ministerial meeting on the Southern Gas Corridor will be held next month. Are Chinese companies or representatives of the Chinese Ministry of Energy expected to participate in this event?

- If they receive an invitation, I think they will participate. Because both the Chinese government and new energy companies are very interested in the Azerbaijani market. Some companies, as I mentioned earlier, have already opened offices here and are operating not only in the energy sector, but also in the construction sector.

We are always open to cooperation with Azerbaijan, and if the need arises, I think Chinese companies will be ready to have a fruitful meeting, establish cooperation and expand it.