Azerbaijan has witnessed remarkable growth in its agroproduct exports, particularly with pomegranates, as the nation exported 2,278.03 tons of this fruit in January 2025 alone. This marks an impressive 33.3% increase compared to January 2024, according to the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee. The total value of these exports also surged by 35.3%, reaching approximately $2,014,740. Recently, this growth trend has underpinned Azerbaijan's broader ambitions to expand its footprint on the global agroexport market.
Similarly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Buryatia, Russia, reported its exports surpassing planned figures by 18% last year. This achievement results from concerted efforts as part of the national project "International Cooperation and Export," aimed at enhancing export capabilities and overcoming trade barriers. Investments made to bolster the region's export infrastructure and promote local products have proven fruitful.
The national project has been instrumental since its initiation, demonstrating steady development from 2019 to 2024. Initiatives under this program have facilitated the accreditation of three veterinary laboratories, ensuring the safe transport of Buryatia's agroproducts, including pork shipments to Mongolia. Alongside these developments, the regional enterprises have capitalized on international demand, launching significant projects like the construction of the "Central" pig complex by the Siberian company Siba Agro.
Dr. Heyraddin Nasirzade from the Azerbaijan State Customs highlighted the pomegranate export figures emphasizing their growing significance. He stated, "These figures not only reflect our commitment to quality but also our strategic initiatives to increase our agricultural exports globally." This statement encapsulates the sentiments shared by many stakeholders invested in Azerbaijan's agricultural sectors.
For Buryatia, their burgeoning exports of livestock, particularly horses, have made headlines with 9,019 horses shipped to Kazakhstan from 2022 to 2024. The initiative to promote the region's livestock has sparked interest from international markets, showcasing the diverse product range from Buryatia. Officials note, "The volume of agroproduct exports in Buryatia exceeded planned figures by 18%," validating the progressive outlook for the region.
Both Azerbaijan and Buryatia have made concerted efforts to address quality control, ensuring alignment with international standards. For example, Rosselkhoznadzor confirmed, "Dangerous quarantine organisms were not detected in the samples of granulated meal, and all products meet the requirements of the importing countries: Germany and Latvia." This reassurance underlines the commitment to maintaining high standards and safety across agricultural exports.
Continued collaboration between national and regional governments has proven pivotal. Buryatia's agricultural exports underline how local initiatives align with broader national goals. With the government reinforcing its support just as President Vladimir Putin has laid out updated national projects effective from 2025, the Federative state industries are poised for yet another leap forward.
Market projections suggest sustained demand for agroproducts, emphasizing the relationship between improved infrastructure, international market access, and rising export numbers. Both regions exhibit promising pathways to establish Azerbaijan and Buryatia as key players on the global agroexport stage.
Looking forward to 2024 and beyond, expectations remain high as local authorities and producers work to scale their export capacities. With initiatives combining tradition, quality assurance, and modernization, they aim to solidify their positions within the international marketplace and contribute positively to their economic landscapes.