Samir Sharifov: Agro-project with Belarus to boost agriculture in Karabakh

The establishment of an agro-industrial complex in Azerbaijan's Aghdam district by Belarus will provide an additional stimulus for the development of agricultural production in the Karabakh region, said Samir Sharifov, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, during the Belarus–Azerbaijan Business Forum, according to Report's correspondent in Minsk.

"I would like to remind you that this territory [Karabakh – ed.] was liberated from occupation during the Patriotic War, and large-scale reconstruction works are currently underway. We believe that the creation of a poultry complex in Aghdam will give an additional boost to agricultural production in the region and provide necessary jobs for Azerbaijani citizens who are now being resettled with housing and essential living conditions," Sharifov said.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan has already carried out the necessary preparatory work for the project and noted the importance of ensuring the transition to the next stages of implementation:

"The company preparing to invest in this project (in Aghdam) is participating in the business forum. I hope they will continue negotiations with partners to define the already agreed 'roadmap' for practical implementation. I believe that the directions I mentioned will not only expand the range of food products produced in Azerbaijan but also allow the formation of certain production chains that serve the interests of both countries."

In May 2024, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced his country's readiness to build an agro-town in Azerbaijan's liberated territories. In October 2024, the Agriculture Ministries of Azerbaijan and Belarus signed a joint roadmap in Gizil Kangarli village of Aghdam district for the development of agricultural production. The agro-town is expected to start operating in 2027.