15:46 - 17.04.2026

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April 17, Fineko/abc.az. Russia and Azerbaijan have huge economic potential, and this potential makes it possible to increase bilateral trade. Both sides should use this potential.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said this at a meeting of the Azerbaijani-Russian Business Council.

He noted that the main goal of the Council is to accelerate the pace of development of economic relations.

"We are close neighbors, and we must not allow the weakening of economic and trade ties. You can achieve your goals by activating the work of the Business Council. Russian businessmen and representatives of companies that are members of the Council should carefully familiarize themselves with the opportunities created for business development in Azerbaijan, explore investment opportunities and create their own business. I hope the Azerbaijani-Russian Business Council will take serious steps in this direction," Overchuk said.

He pointed out that Azerbaijan's transport infrastructure is ready for the North-South International Transport Corridor, which will provide access to Turkey, the Gulf countries and the markets of Southeast Asia: "We are continuing the construction of the Rasht–Astara railway jointly with Iran. This 162-km railway will provide Russia and Azerbaijan with access to the markets of the Gulf countries."

Touching upon cooperation in the field of tourism, the Russian Deputy PM noted that he had visited Baku many times and noticed that the city was developing with each visit: "It is no coincidence that 500,000 tourists from Russia visited Baku last year, which is an excellent indicator."