Economic cooperation
The Republic of Azerbaijan and Republic of Korea are enjoying dynamic economic-trade relations. Azerbaijan is the largest and most significant economic-trade partner of Korea in the South Caucasus. Korea is one of the top foreign direct investors to Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector.
The mutual high-level visits, various trade promotion platforms and mechanisms, as well as diverse economic events contribute to boosting bilateral economic-trade cooperation. Azerbaijan continues its efforts to diversify the economy, develop non-oil sectors, advance economic clusters and improve export structure, as well as promote Alat Free Economic Zone, Baku International Sea Trade Port, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway linkage, “Made in Azerbaijan” brand, “Invest in Azerbaijan” and “Make in Azerbaijan” concepts. In this context, in order to achieve the country’s strategic goals and targets, Azerbaijan considers Korea as a reliable partner.
The interest of Korean companies to Azerbaijani economy and products is continuously increasing. 82 Korean companies are currently operating in Azerbaijan in the fields of trade, industry, construction, transport and services.
The Offices of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) function in Azerbaijan to enlarge bilateral economic cooperation. Since launching of its operations in Azerbaijan, KOICA has implemented several grant agreements covering various economic sectors. Numerous Azerbaijani officials and government collaborators have participated in KOICA’s capacity building trainings aimed at exploring Korea's development experience.
The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Korea on promotion and mutual protection of investments has been signed on 23 April 2007. The Convention between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Korea for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital has been signed on 19 May 2008. The legal base of economic cooperation is being continuously broadened.
Bilateral trade (2020-2024)
|
|
2020 (thsd $) |
2021 (thsd $) |
2022 (thsd $) |
2023 (thsd $) |
2024 (thsd $) |
|
Azerbaijan’s export to Korea |
82.58 |
83.81 |
295.35 |
526.33 |
500.45 |
|
Azerbaijan’s import from Korea |
178 579.69 |
227 573.62 |
268 854.71 |
428 091.14 |
384 788.11 |
|
Trade turnover |
178 662.27 |
227 657.43 |
269 150.06 |
428 617.47 |
385 288.56 |
Source: State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Top products in bilateral trade (2024)
According to Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in 2024, jet kerosene fuel, optical, medical, photography devices, plants used in perfumery and cosmetics constituted Azerbaijan’s key export products to Korea.
In the same period, as regards to imports from Korea, main products encompassed vehicles, equipment, mechanical devices and parts thereof. In 2024, Korea ranked 11th among Azerbaijan’s top trading partners in relation to imports.
Joint Commission
The Joint Commission on Economic Cooperationbetween the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Korea has been established in 2015 to promote bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as to foster “G2G”, “G2B” and “B2B” contacts. The First Meeting of the Joint Commission was held on 14 June 2016 in Seoul. The Second Meeting of the Joint Commission was convened on 6 February 2020 in Baku. The Third Meeting of the Joint Commission was organized on 7 June 2023 in Seoul and its protocol encompasses multifaceted matters. The Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan are the co-chairs of the Joint Commission.
Last updated: February 7, 2025
