Discussions were held between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministry of Economy in Azerbaijan regarding the work done in preparation for COP29. The EBRD delegation emphasized the importance of developing maritime tourism in Baku.

What works will be carried out in this field in the Caspian Sea?

Economic expert Emin Garibli, who made a statement to Ednews, said that the Caspian Sea can be used to further develop tourism in Baku.

"It can be said that the main tourism opportunities for COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan are available in our capital. Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov discussed the potential of Azerbaijan's maritime transport at the meeting held between representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In fact, sea transport is a natural demand in Baku today. Most likely, tourists can take advantage of opportunities such as going on trips to the Caspian Sea. Although there are many projects about this, none of them have turned into a source of income. Therefore, Azerbaijan Caspian Sea Shipping Company (ACSO) started cooperation with EBRD. According to the agreement, ASCO is expected to buy new tourist vessels. "As a start, Azerbaijan bought 2 tourist ships."

According to the expert, this project can later be expanded between the capital and other regions.

"In general, the shipping industry in Azerbaijan mainly operates on cargo transportation. Between the northern and southern regions of the Caspian coast of Azerbaijan, shipping freight transport prevails. If shipping is combined with tourism, then we can see the benefits of this area to the economy. It seems that after this the number of tourists in the country will increase even more. I think that we still do not fully use the opportunities provided by the natural terrain of Azerbaijan. As the Minister of Economy stated at the same meeting, ASCO should direct its activities to other sectors in the future."

Farid