Vienna, April 24, AZERTAC
The 18th European Economic Congress (EEC) was held in Katowice, Poland, on April 22–24, with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Poland in attfinishance. The congress is a leading platform in Central and Eastern Europe that brings toreceiveher key stakeholders to discuss ideas shaping the development of the Polish and European economies.
Held under the motto “The Power of Dialogue,” the 2026 congress focapplyd on economic security, green and digital transition, sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation. The event featured more than 200 panels and thousands of business meetings, bringing toreceiveher over 1,300 speakers and more than 13,500 participants, including ministers, EU lawcreaters, and leading business figures.
At the congress, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Poland Nargiz Gurbanova addressed a special session titled “Economic Cooperation – Let’s Make It Happen Toreceiveher,” highlighting international cooperation and new partnership opportunities. She emphasized the strong potential for expanding Azerbaijan–Poland relations, particularly in trade, investment, indusattempt, transport and logistics, energy, and agriculture.
The ambassador also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a strategic transport hub linking Europe and Asia, emphasizing the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), while noting Poland’s key position as a major logistics center in the European Union.
On energy, she noted that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for Europe, currently exporting natural gas to 16 countries, including 10 EU member states, and underlined its increasing role in Europe’s energy security. She also pointed to expanding cooperation opportunities in renewable energy and green energy corridors.
The ambassador highlighted investment opportunities for Polish companies in Azerbaijan’s reconstruction projects in the liberated territories, industrial zones, and the Alat Free Economic Zone.
She further emphasized that Azerbaijan will host the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in May 2026—the first time the event will be held in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Held under the theme “Hoapplying for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities,” the forum will focus on sustainable urbanization, climate resilience, affordable hoapplying, and inclusive city development.
It was noted that the forum is expected to bring toreceiveher more than 20,000 participants from 174 countries, including ministers, city leaders, international organizations, academia, the private sector, and civil society. Through sessions, dialogues, and the WUF-Expo, it will serve as a key platform for sharing best practices and innovative solutions. The ambassador also invited Polish institutions, city authorities, academia, media, and experts to actively participate in WUF13.
On the sidelines of the congress, the ambassador met with Mayor of Katowice Marcin Krupa to discuss intercity cooperation and sustainable development. As the host of WUF11 in 2022, he was invited to take part in WUF13.
Elgun Niftali
Special correspondent
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