On March 17, the Israeli-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its annual meeting.

Speaking at the event, President of the Israeli-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alex Kaplun briefed the business representatives on the activities of the Chamber last year, measures to develop trade, humanitarian and other relations between the State of Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and plans for 2021.

Co-chairman of the Joint Commission between the Governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State of Israel, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov highly appreciated the activities of the Chamber and added that the Israeli-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an important platform for the developing economic relations between our countries, as well as the promoting public-private business dialogue. Referring to the active work of the Chamber over the past two years, the minister said that the organization has put forward a number of initiatives aimed at deepening ties between the business communities. Mikayil Jabbarov expressed gratitude to the Israeli side for its support of Azerbaijan's just war and humanitarian efforts in the 44-day war, as well as the arrival of large Israeli medical personnel in Azerbaijan to assist soldiers and civilians seriously wounded during the war.

Jabbarov stressed that, despite some downturns in bilateral trade relations due to the pandemic, efforts are being made to further enhance cooperation in various sectors of the economy.

The Minister shared his vision of cooperation in the process of restoring our liberated territories, and directions of economic reforms that need to be carried out in the post-pandemic period.

The meeting also noted that Israeli companies have an interest in information technology, agriculture, water management and healthcare, and that in these areas there is a great potential for cooperation and an active dialogue is taking place.

Speaking at the event, Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mr. George Dick emphasized the high political and economic ties between the two countries, noting that the Chamber made an important contribution to deepening cooperation.

Mikhail Lotem, Director of the Department of Economic Cooperation with Asian and CIS Countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, made a further presentation on "Israeli-Azerbaijani economic relations and new opportunities in the post-pandemic period."

The development of Israeli-Azerbaijani economic and trade relations was also discussed at the meeting.