AD Ports Group has announced a collaboration agreement with Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (Azcon Holding) to explore opportunities across ports, shipping, logistics, and digital trade solutions in Azerbaijan.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for cooperation between the parties. It aims to identify investment opportunities and advance collaboration in integrated transport and logistics infrastructure, including maritime and digital solutions, in Azerbaijan.

This collaboration coincides with the official entry into force of the UAE-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement aims to expedite bilateral trade, foster new investment and joint venture opportunities, and expand market access and global reach for exporters in both nations.

This is achieved by eliminating or reducing tariffs on the majority of goods and services, as well as by promoting private sector collaboration and empowering entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, as per the statement from AD Ports Group.

The MoU was signed by Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group; and Vugar Mirzazada, the Deputy Executive Director of Azcon Holding in the presence of Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State; and Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as Mohammed Al Blooshi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan; Elchin Baghirov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UAE; and Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of Azcon Holding.

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group said, “Our deal with Azcon Holding marks a further step in advancing AD Ports Group’s corridor-focused strategy, strengthening trade links between Central Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan’s pivotal position bridging East and West offers strong opportunities, we look forward to leveraging our integrated capabilities across ports, maritime, logistics, and digital solutions to enable more efficient, connected, and commercially attractive trade routes.”

Vugar Mirzazada, Deputy Executive Director, Azcon Holding added, “This MoU with AD Ports Group marks an important step in exploring opportunities that can further strengthen Azerbaijan’s transport, trade and maritime ecosystem. We see strong potential in this collaboration to support trade facilitation, improve supply chain efficiency and reinforce Azerbaijan’s position as a key logistics hub.”

“As Azerbaijan continues to enhance its role as a strategic link between East and West, co-operation across port development, shipbuilding, logistics, digital integration and multimodal connectivity can contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the national economy,” he added.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Azerbaijan has shown significant growth, highlighting the strength and resilience of this bilateral relationship. Over the past two years, non-oil trade has grown by 31.4%, surpassing US $2.2bn in 2025, as noted by the UAE’s official.