AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON Holding) to explore cooperation across ports, shipping, logistics and digital trade infrastructure in Azerbaijan. The agreement frames a path for joint investment opportunities and integrated transport and logistics solutions spanning maritime assets, multimodal connectivity and digital trade facilitation systems.
The MoU was signed by Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and Vugar Mirzazada, Deputy Executive Director of AZCON Holding. AlShamsi said the deal advanced AD Ports Group's corridor-focused strategy and would strengthen trade links between Central Asia and Europe. Mirzazada highlighted Azerbaijan's growing role as a strategic East-West link.
The MoU follows the UAE-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which entered into force on 15 April 2026, removing or reducing tariffs across most goods and services and aiming to deepen private-sector collaboration. Bilateral non-oil trade has expanded 31.4% over the past two years, exceeding $2.2 billion in 2025.
Azerbaijan's real GDP growth is forecast at 2.5% in 2026, up from an estimated 1.4% in 2025, supported by stronger domestic demand and investment. The MoU aligns with AD Ports Group's wider Central Asia strategy of investing in ports, logistics platforms and shipping assets to strengthen the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe.
Key Takeaways:
1. AD Ports Group and AZCON Holding signed an MoU on Azerbaijan corridor cooperation.
2. Scope spans ports, shipping, logistics and digital trade infrastructure.
3. Signed by Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi (AD Ports Regional CEO) and Vugar Mirzazada (AZCON Deputy ED).
4. The MoU follows the UAE-Azerbaijan CEPA that entered into force on 15 April 2026.
5. Bilateral non-oil trade grew 31.4% over two years, exceeding $2.2B in 2025.
