Azerbaijan Courts Lao Investment for Alat Free Economic Zone

FTZ News: Azerbaijan is seeking investment from Lao companies for its industrial parks and the Alat Free Economic Zone as it looks to deepen commercial ties with Southeast Asia.

According to Trend News Agency, Deputy Economy Minister Anar Akhundov made the appeal at the Azerbaijan-Laos Business Forum in Baku on Oct. 14. He identified manufacturing, mineral and agricultural processing, energy and logistics as potential areas for cooperation.

Akhundov said foreign investors in Alat can retain full ownership, transfer profits abroad and operate without a required local partner. He also cited government support for exporters, including compensation for up to 70% of transport and logistics costs, along with part of customs-clearance expenses.

No specific Lao investment project or financial commitment was announced at the forum./.