A meeting organized by Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) with the support of the Ministries of Economy and Transport, Communications and High Technologies was held with local companies engaged in international road transport on April 24. 

The business meeting held in support of local transport companies and carriers was attended by representatives of government agencies and companies operating in the field of international road transport.

Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov stressed that the President gave special consideration to the development of infrastructure, along with other sectors of the economy, noting that a large amount of public investment has been made in this area, and logistics and transit opportunities have been expanded as a result of the work done to improve the transport sector. It was noted at the meeting that in view of the successful economic and political reforms carried out in our country, important measures have been taken recently to increase export, import and transit traffic in the non-oil sector, which, in turn, contributes to the growth of international consignments. Emphasizing that infrastructure has an important role to play in the development of the economy and the achievement of the set goals, Mikayil Jabbarov talked of a great competition available in the freight market and the need to increase the competitiveness of local companies.

The meeting noted that road transport holds a unique position in cargo transportation. Important steps need to be taken to increase the share of local companies transporting international goods by road. Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized the expediency of creating a working group within the framework of public-private partnership, which would include representatives of relevant government agencies, international trucking companies and related public associations, and invited the participants to an active discussion and an open dialogue.

Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Rashad Nabiyev briefed about the work done recently to develop the country's transport and transit infrastructure, measures taken in the field of international consignments. He noted that in Azerbaijan more than 4.7 thousand kilometers of roads with a total length of more than 19 thousand kilometers are of national importance. After the restoration of our liberated territories, another 2,000 km will be added to these roads. New international transit routes through the liberated lands and Nakhichevan will further expand the opportunities for participants involved in the transport and logistics sector.

Rashad Nabiev spoke about the necessary steps to increase the competitiveness of national road carriers both in the local market and in the region. The minister called on local companies to become part of, and to intensify their efforts to integrate into the global network. The meeting further informed that local companies providing innovative, safe and reliable services can strengthen their position in the regional market through international partnerships.

The meeting participants voiced proposals in the field of international road transport, held discussions to the point, and answered questions from company representatives.