Arabfields, Farah Benali, Economic Correspondent, China — Azerbaijan and China are exploring opportunities to deepen agricultural cooperation, with a focus on technology, innovation and more competitive food production as Baku seeks to modernise its farming sector.
Azerbaijan’s Agriculture Minister, Majnun Mammadov, discussed potential areas of cooperation during a working visit to China, where an Azerbaijani delegation visited Beijing-based agricultural technology group Da Bei Nong (DBN). The company’s director, Mao Changqing, outlined its international activities and possible areas of partnership with Azerbaijan.
The discussions come as Azerbaijan looks to strengthen domestic agricultural production and processing under a state programme covering the 2026-2030 period. The initiative aims to promote sustainable growth and move the sector towards more intensive and competitive production.
For farmers, the potential benefits of closer cooperation could extend beyond trade. Access to modern farming techniques, improved production systems and agricultural research could help businesses raise productivity, manage costs and respond more effectively to changing market conditions. However, the practical impact will depend on whether proposed partnerships lead to investment, technology transfers and solutions that local producers can afford.
The economic relationship provides a foundation for further engagement. Bilateral trade between Azerbaijan and China reached approximately $3.74 billion in 2024, an increase of 20.7% from the previous year. More recent figures indicate that total trade rose to $1.51 billion in the first four months of 2026, up 6.1% year on year. Although these figures cover all goods rather than agriculture alone, they illustrate the scale of the commercial relationship in which agricultural cooperation could develop.
Mammadov also invited DBN representatives to attend Caspian Agro, Azerbaijan’s annual international agricultural exhibition, offering a potential opportunity for companies and industry specialists to establish contacts and explore business opportunities.
Founded in 1993, DBN specialises in agricultural technology and innovation. Its experience could be relevant to Azerbaijan’s efforts to improve efficiency across farming and food production, although the discussions have not yet established the value of any potential investment or announced specific commercial agreements.
Looking ahead, agricultural cooperation could gain momentum through 2030 if the two sides turn their discussions into concrete projects. Joint research, technology partnerships and expanded commercial links could support modernisation, while stronger market access could create opportunities for Azerbaijani producers seeking new customers.
The next step will be translating diplomatic engagement into measurable results for businesses and farmers. For Azerbaijan, the success of the partnership will ultimately depend not only on the technology it attracts, but also on whether that technology improves productivity, strengthens food production and creates lasting economic value.
