Azerbaijan seen as key player in boosting regional economic ties

Azerbaijan has the potential to enhance its role in regional economic cooperation, Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told journalists during the 13th meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Think Tank Forum, Report informs.

"We see promising prospects for Azerbaijan - the country can play a larger and more constructive role not only in its own economic development but also in strengthening regional economic cooperation," he emphasized.

According to Chen Dongxiao, Azerbaijan's favorable geographic and strategic position, along with the government's focus on regional connectivity - particularly the development of the Trans-Caspian route and integration with the Belt and Road Initiative - creates strong conditions for attracting capital, investment, services, and human resources.

He also noted that holding this year's forum in Baku coincides with Azerbaijan's first year of chairmanship in the organization, giving the event special significance and highlighting the country's strategic priorities.